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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8529, 1 April 1891, Page 4

Our cable messages this morning state that the influenza epidemic is spreading in America, and that it. has made its appearance in Russia. News from India reports that a force of native troops, led by British officers against rebels in Assam, has been almost annihilated. A fresh expedition has been despatched against the rebels. A very strong: feeling has- been aroused vin Italy by the Orleans lynching episode, and the Italian Ambassador has been instructed to break off diplomatic relations with America' in the event of the United States refusing to accord satisfaction.

One by one the pioneer colonists are pass* ing away. Another host joined "the great : majority—Sir Francis :• Murphy, who eft* pirod yesterday at the venerable age of 83. After qualifying as a surgeon he left England for Australia, arriving' in Sydney in 1836, when he was appointed colonial surgeon for the'county oflArgyleir He commenced farming, grazing,: and agricultural pursuits near Goulburn and in consequence resigned his appointment. In 1840 he married the eldest daughter of Lieutenant) : Reed, residing in the same part of the colony. He was eight years chairman of the Benoh at Goulburn, and received a complimentary address and testimonial when he left for -Victoria in 1847. He took up a station in the Ovens district, and in 1851 was elected for the' Murray for the first Victorian ;f Legislature. In 1852 he went to reside in Melbourne, having sold his pastoral property, vHe held the appointment of President of the Central Road Board from 1853 to 1856, and was elected Speaker of the Assembly' under the new Constitution, which office he held until 1871. He retired from political life for a short time, but in 1872 was elected to the Council for the Eastfern province,- which seat he held until 1876, when- he returned to England. ■•■.'" '" . ' .. : .. .:

Yesterday H.M.e. Lizard went down to Motutapu with Lord Onslow and Lord Charles Scott, who, with some friends, indulged in a day's shooting. The gunboat returned to port late last night." The Native Minister proceeds to the King country this morning; for the purpose of meeting Wahanui and other native chiefs, on matters connected with his department. .He will be joined at Frankton junction by Mr. Lewis, Under-Secretary of the Native Department, and Mr. Frank Lawry, M.H.R., who will accompany him to Otorohanga, the latter having been requested by the natives to be -present) at their meeting with the Native Minister. Among the passengers by the s.s. Manapouri, from Dunedin, Were the Rev. T. S. Forsaith and Mrs. Forsaith, eh route for Sydney; Mr. Forsaith, however, decided to break the voyage at ■ Auckland, where he was formerly a well known resident, in order to see his many friends. By the same vessel there arrived "from Napier the Rev. P. H. Cornford and Mrs. Cornford. Mr. Cornford conies up to assume temporarily the pastorate of the - Tabernacle, and tomorrow (Thursday) evening he will be received and welcomed by the members of the church at the Tabernacle, and will deliver an address. Mr. and Mrs. Cornford will be, for the present, the guests of Dr. and Mrs. Philson.. The rev. gentleman was for many years pastor of the - old • Wellesley-streel Baptist Church, and is consequently well known to all the senior members of the Tabernacle. .. ■•- ■• . Dr. Dawson left by the Manapouri yesterday on a trip to England.. He expects to be back again in Auckland by the end of the year. - ; " *'_ " A severe acccident occurred to a man named William Johns, son of, Mr. John Johns, of Pukekohe, last Saturday evening. Mr. Johns, a member of the South Franklin Mounted Infantry Corps, left the Military Sports at Epsom to return home, in company with Mr. A. Wright, both men riding. Wright, having several parcels with him, could not travel at other ] than a walking pace, and on reaching Epsom Road Johns went for a canter ahead. On arriving- in the vicinity of Olsen's store, Wright found that Johns had been thrown on his head from his horse, which had bolted, and taken into Olsen's store unconscious. Dr. Mackeliar was called in, and found that Johns was suffering from concussion of the brain. On making inquiries - yesterday evening, we found that the unfortunate young man was still in an unconscious state, bub was showing signs of improvement. Although he is in a «most critical condition, Dr. Mackellar ' holds pub some hopes of his recovery. Mrs. Johns came down from Pukekohe immediately on hearing of the accident, and everything possible is being done for him. Among the passengers by the Manapouri, which left for Sydney yesterday, was Mr. Donald Murray, for sometime a member of the reporting staff of this journal. He proceeds to New South Wales to join the reporting corps of the Sydney Morning Herald, and carries with, him the be3t wishes for his future success of his press '"""' comrades in this city.•' ;i '! *

Lloyd's Weekly of February. 15 has the following :—"A mosb. successful specimen of journalistic enterprise is the Christmas number of the Auckland Weekly News, consisting of sixty pages, each of five columns, containing tales,"poetry, music, jokes, puzzles, recipes, and woodcuts, in addition to the usual budget of news. A coloured chromo-litho supplement given with the number — Arrival of-Captain Cook at the Bay of —reflects much 'credit on the printers, Messrs. Wilsons and Horton, of Auckland.". A three • roomed cottage at Tararu Thames, was destroyed by fire about half past four on Monday afternoon. ' The owner, a Mrs. Morton, was away at the time attending the Friendly Societies' sports at Parawai, and is quite unable to account for the conflagration, >he having carefully, pub out the fire before leaving home. Nothing whatever was saved, and the loss is estimated at £35, there being nt insurance. Recently an incident occurred in the Waikato district, which shows how colonial lads adapt themselves to the circumstances in which they find themselves placed. What we refer to is .ah event.that took place on the farm of Messrs. Caley Bros., Pukerimu', Waikato. One of the brothers, Robert, was ploughing in a large field with a double furrow, plough.. The other hands on the farm were all occupied, and apparently feeling it was needless to try and look for 'some extra Kelp outside the regular help on the farm, he felt vexed that there should be a team of horses unemployed while another plough, etc., was available if human hands could be gotta use them. The thought occurred to bim as to the possibility of using the two ploughs in the one field, and to take the general oversight of them at the end of the furrows' turning, etc. He thought the plan was feasible, and put it to the test." The irons of the plough were carefully adjusted, bo that once being properly entered in the ground, and a steady team of .three horses, he thought they might walk . the length ; of » the furrow, about half-a-mile, without much attention, while he would attend to the other team. He found the plan to succeed, and occupied himself in entering each plough at each end of the field, and devoted his attention to the working of the two ploughs. Thinking an improvement might be made by ploughing in a circle, taking in the whole, field, he tightened on one side the reins the horses had to the plough, and once a furrow was opened, the horses worked themselves in the large circle thus formed, and for four days one team of horses practically carried on the ploughinp- themselves with very little attention on Mr. Caley's part. This is one way of overcoming the labour difficulty. The device thus resorted to may be a hint to agricultural implement manufacturers to try to construct them so that they will be as nearly selfacting as possible. : The Mayor has tabled the ■ following notice of motion for next meeting of the City Council, " That the necessary notice be given that the Council will, on Thursday, April 16, make and levy a general rate of Is in the £, payable in one sum on the Ist day of June next." • ■•'

At the Loyal United Brothers Lodge of the N.1.0.0.F. a presentation was made last evening by the N.G., P. 0., J. T. B. Dines, D.S., on behalf of Dr. Walker, who gave a . silver watch for competition iby members, to the member who proposed tha most candidates for the year ending 31st March, 1891, Brother S. H. Moulden be. ing the successful competitor (18 members proposed). The N.G. in making the presentation thanked Brother Moulden in the name of Dr. Walker and the Lodge for the interest shown by him on behall of the Lodge and Order, and hoped that the offer of a similar trophy by Dr. Walker for the year ending 31st March, 1892, would induce some of the younger members to enter into competition, and nob let the older members take all the prizes. Brother Moulden, in reply, thanked the Lodge and Dr. Walker, and stated hia intention to use all his best endeavours oa behalf of the Lodge, and said that he felt proud of being the winner of such a trophy. It is now stated that Inspector Pardy will nob be removed from New Plymouth.

j__ .... At the meeting of the Newton Borough Council last evening a letter was received from the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board relative to the contribution of tbe Newton Borough to hospital maintenance and relief. The quota was fixed at £106 18s. The letter was received. Ihe usual accounts were passed. On the motion of the Mayor, the question of certain repairs on the Great South Road was referred to the Streets Committee, with power to neb. At the close of the proceedings a very pleasing ceremony took place, namely, the presentation of the cold medals to the winning team (Newton Fire Brigade) in the hose and hydrant practice at the Firo Brigade competitions on Good Friday at Totter si addock. The Mayor said it gave him great pleasure to affix the gold medals to the breasts of the winner* He hoped they were only the precursors of other honours, and trusted that the alacrity they had shown in the mimic contest they would also show when on duty at a fire. I here was no doubt that to Superintendent Fentons training the men were indebted for their success The Mayor then decorated in succession the members of the team-Su-perintendent Fenton, feecretary Jones, Foreman Parsons, Branchman Otonnor, and Fireman Tait. Superintendent Fenton appropriately returned thanks, and said he hoped the little Brigade would yet win further honours for itself. At all events, it would not be for want of trying. Tho Fire Brigade men then gavo three hearty cheers for the Mayor and Council, and retired. An incipient tiro took place on. Monday nicht at the premises of Mr. Jackson, Newmarket. One of the members of tho family went upstairs with a candlo. when the draught set some lace curtains towards the light and they caught fire. The fire was speedily suppressed with little damage before the fire brigade arrived on the scene. The building is owned by Mr. Clayton, and insured for £325 in the South British Insurance Company. Mr. Jackson was uninsured.

The total number of men under canvas at the Easter encampment at Palmerston North was 1320. Upwards of 3000 people were present at the review. Colonel Pitt, commandant, addressing tho men at the conclusion, said Colonel Hume, tho reviewing officer, was well pleased with the work lone, and the report to the Government would be very favourable. The behaviour of the men in and out of the camp was exceedingly good.

Yesterday the Native Lands Commissioners, consisting of Mr. W. L. Rees and Mr. Mackay, left for Russell by the s.s. Manapouri, in order to continue their inquiries. They were accompanied by Mr. Gannon (private secretary), and Mr. J. M. Geddis (Hansard reporter, who is acting as shorthand writer to the Commission). A meeting with the natives is convened at Waimate North for to-morrow. The Commissioners have arranged to be at Otorohanga on the 14th instant. At the late meeting at Cambridge, we are informed, Te Heuheu and a number of the Taupo natives approved of the method of having their lands dealt with after the manner that has been suggested by the native committees. These natives claim to represent 2000 of their people, and a million and a-half of acres of land.

The Rev. Thomas Flavel, editor of New Zealand Schoolmaster, incumbent of Merivale, was last night presented with a purse rf sovereigns and an address from the parishioners and Sunday-school teachers on bis resigning to leave for England. Bishop Julius presided.

The Operative Bootmakers Union have ssked Mr. Shera, M.H.R., to receive a deputation from their body so that the whole facts of the dispute may be laid before him. Mr. Shera has consented to receive the deputation at Robson's Rooms, at seven o'clock this evening, and is hopeful of bein-r able to affect an amicable settlement of the present dispute.

The anniversary soiree of the Ponsonby Baptist Church Sunday-school took place last evening. There was a good attendance, and the following ladies presided at the tea-tables: — Mrs. Gilmore, Misses Jones, Imbusche, Rowley, Sadler, Fear, and Hare. The pastor (the Rev. J. D. Gilmore) occupied the chair, and in his introductory remarks enjoin-xl upon parents the duty of bringing up their children aright and of co-operating with the teachers of the Sunday-school The report read by the secretary, Mr. Imbusche, showed that the school contained 216 scholars with 19 teachers. The Band of Hope was flourishing. Mr. Graham (treasurer) read the balance-sheet; it showed the receipts as £33 8s 3d, which was equalised by the expenditure. During the year additional classroom accommodation was provided at a cost of £33, which was all defrayed. Tho Rev. T. F. Robertson spoke on " Missionary Work;" Mr. Nimino, of Edinburgh, on "Responsibility," and the Rev. G. Cox on "Sunday-school Work." Musical selections were given at intervals :—Solo, Tired," Miss Phipps; solo, "The Kingdom Blest," Miss Gilmore ; duet, " Home," Misses Bamford ; solo, " For Ever with the Lord," Miss Bamford.

The Railway Commissioners are to take aver on the 9th of April, that portion of the Otago Central Railway which runs to Middlemarch. It is not known whether the Minister of Public Works will be able to attend, as at first proposed.

A memorandum on the training and instruction of pupil teachers has just been published by the British Educational Department. It-points out how defective is their teaching in reading, elocution, and arithmetic, and insists on more systematic preparation before they can properly benefit by the curriculum of the Training College, and dwells on the need for more personal direction from the head teacher. Further, it is wisely insisted that study and bookwork alone do not complete the education of these young persons, and a natural history club, a cricket club, a little debating or literary society, a visit to a neighbouring factory, or picture gallery, or famous building, are worth cultivating.

A meeting of the shareholders of the Northern River Steam Steam Navigation Co. was held yesterday morning at Mr. Buckland's offices. The annual report and balance-sheet was read, and after some discussion adopted. Mr. A. Buckland presided.

At a social held in the Primitive Methodist Church, Thames, on Monday evening, a very pleasing ceremony took place, This was the presentation of a photographic shield of the members of the choir to the conductor, Mr. William Reid, who is about co remove to Waitekauri. In making the presentation, the Rev. Mr. Dawson referred in eulogistic terms to the progress made by tie choir during the two years' period Mr. Keid had filled the position of choirmaster, awl said that he deeply regretted—and he Vi it sure the congregation and choir also r*'leiiwthis removal to a new sphere oi labour. He hoped, however, that wherever Mr. Reid directed his footsteps the richest blessings might attend him. Mr. Reid briefly and suitably acknowledged the handsome gift, and said he should aavays cherish it as a graceful memento of a goodwill which ho valued more highly than he could say in words.

] Pastor Birch returned to Auckland by tin-- s.s. Mararoa, from Sydney, yesterday. Hi:, future course is as yet undetermined, he adjourned meeting of the Testi--1 Committee held lact evening in the ters' Hall, the following resolution ■■■-> parsed : —"lt having been reported ■'"•" certain persons have signed Pastor Yuen's testimonial under a misapprehension, the committee intimate that any such person or persons may have their names erased by communicating with Mr. Knight, hon. secretary, Park House, Ponsonby Road." it was also decided to hold a public meeting one evening early next week, of which due notice will be given.

A meeting of the Auckland Gasworks Employees' Union was held yesterday evening, when a deputation was received from the Bootmakers' Union. After the deputation had explained the position of their onion in regard to the strike, it was unanimously resolved,. " That this union support the Bootmakers' Union both morally and financially, and that the members deal only with those shops and firms who are working under union rules." -. There was again an excellent attendance of the public at the Opera House last night, when Miss Amy Vaughan and her company gave their second entertainment. The audience evidently appreciated the . performance greatly, and many "of the items were encored. The company are to appear again to-night. v J

The annual soiree in connection with the anniversary of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Sunday-school will take place this evening. The services on Sunday being so successful, the teachers are sanguine that -a similar heartiness will characterise the proceedings of to-night. One special feature of the meeting will be the opportunity afforded of taking a farewell or the Rev. E. Best, this being the last public meeting (save his sermons on Sunday night next) he will have the opportunity of speaking at in Pittstreet prior to his departure south. * The hymns sung on Sunday will be repeated by 1 the scholars, and addresses by ministers and other friends.

A French horticulturist has discovered the virtues of hot water for plant* in a sickly state. He states that plants in pots, when not in good health, may be successfully treated with hot water, the usual remedy having' been re-potting. Ho says that when ill-health results from acid substances contained or generated in the soil, and this is absorbed by the roots, it acts as a poison. The small roots are withered and cease their action, consequently the upper and younger shoots of the plants turn yellow, and the spots with which the leaves are covered indicate their morbid state. In such cases the usual remedy is to transplant into fresh soil, clean the pots carefully, secure good drainage, and often with the best results. But the experience of several years has proved with him the unfailing efficacy of the simpler treatment, which consists of watering abundantly with hob water at a temperature of about 145deg Fahrenheit, having previously stirred the soil of the pots so far as might be done without injury to the roots. Water is then given until it runs freely from the pots. In his experiments the water first came out clear, afterwards it was sensibly tinged with brown, and gave an appreciable acid reaction. After this thorough washing the pots were kept warm. Next day the leaves of two Ficus elastica so treated ceased to droop, the spread of black spots on the leaves was arrested, and three days afterwards, instead of dying, the plants had recovered their normal look of health. Very soon they made new roots, immediately followed by vigorous growth.

The following are from Lloyd's Wookly of February 15 : William Goulding, sailor, about a year ago was returning from a trip to New Zealand ; sister Amy. George Hopkins sailed with his wife and five children to New Zealand about 13 years ago; his widowed mother is anxious. Mrs. Elizabeth Max ted (late Laurance) is very anxious to hear of her only brother, Edward Laurance, whom she has nob heard of for 20 years. Port Nicholson, Wellington, New Zealand, being the last place she heard from him. He thought of going up country. Edwin Powell, of London, went to Wellington, New Zealand, in the Queen Bee, in October, 1871 ; in ISSO he was on the ship Waitaki, at Auckland ; his mother is most anxious to hear. Mrs. H. Smith (Ellen Greenwood) went to Otago, New Zealand, in 1573, and in ISS3 had married, and was living at Invercargill ; her aged parents inquire. Vine : A sister of Charlotte Jones 12 years ago went to Timaru, New Zealand, in the Ottawa, and married Mr. George Vine. Eliza Wright (May) emigrated with her husband, a retired captain, to Auckland in 1873; her aged mother awaits tidings.

A curious light is thrown on Russian regimental discipline by the case of Prince Bartenieff. This young officer (writes a Warsaw correspondent) was known to have shot a girl, but all further details were carefully suppressed. Yet the story is worth repeating. In a moment of jealousy he lured her to his house, and there murdered her. He then went to the colonel of his regiment, one of the Imperial guards, and related what he had done, ending by laying the revolver on the table. His superior listened quietly, and when he had finished, remarked, " I suppose you do not need any advice from me," and left the room. In a quarter of an hour he returned, and found Bartenieff still there. He asked him if it were possible that he had not understood. Bartenieff replied that he had not the courage. His colonel then reviled him in the grossest terms, and told him to leave his presence. Tho murderer then went to the Prefect of Warsaw, where the same scene was repeated, except that the official was at the pains to procure a pistol and leave it on the table. The Prefect then cut off his epaulets and took him in custody. He will probably be condemned to Siberia, and as probably will never go there ; but he will not be able to show his face in society again.

Jndgment was given in Dublin on January 26, in the Queen's Bench Division, upon an extraordinary question of law arising out of the railway disaster at Armagh. A Mrs. Walker was a passenger by the excursion train which was wrecked, and, being at the time enceinte, she subsequently gave birth to a deformed child. For the injuries she herself received the company paid her £SOO. She then instituted the present action (in the,name of the child), in which she alleged by her pleading that she was accepted as a passenger by the company; that at the time she was so accepted they knew she was enceinte ; and that at the time she was a passenger the child was injured by the accident, in consequence of which it was born injured and deformed. To this statement of claim a demurrer was taken by the counsel for the defendants, who alleged that an unborn child had no right of action or interest to recover damages for personal injuries. The Lord Chief Justice, in giving judgment, said that no facts were set out in the statement of claim which disclosed any duty on the part of the railway company towards an unborn child. The other judges concurred in this view and the demurrer was accordingly allowed.

The following dog story is related by a correspondent of the Animals' Guardian :— Some years ago, when staying at Men tone, a lady told me of the wonderful return of a little black Pomeranian dog all the way from Vienna to the Hotel Victoria at Mentone. I called on M. Milandri, the proprietor, and received the following account :Two Austrian archduchesses had been staying at his hotel, and one of them had become very fond of his little dog, Pietrino. She asked him to give her the dog, and he, though greatly attached to it, consented, very likely not wishing to refuse so august a visitor. So Pietrino shared the long journey of the party back to Vienna, and was supposed to have said farewell for ever to his master and his Mentone home; but it was not so. About a fortnight after his departure M. Milandri was amazed and startled at seeing Pietrino, emaciated, sorefooted, and hardly able to crawl, back at the hotel. He telegraphed at once to the Archduchess: " Pietrino has returned. How long have you missed him ?" The reply was, " About ten days." How the poor little dog could have managed this tremendous journey, and in so short a time, is not known, bub we may be certain that the mental pain at the separation from his master was the motive. On arriving at the hotel he did not at first find M. Milandri, but searched till he discovered him, when he lay down at his feet utterly exhausted, but happy. Every care and attention was lavished on him, bub in. three days he died. I was taken into the hotel garden to see his grave. There was a white headstone, with the inscription in gilt letters, " Gigit Pietrino, ami fideh." A rosebush was in blossom over it.

The anniversary of the Port Albert Band of Hope was celebrated on Tuesday evening at the Temperance Hall. Although the function was inadequately advertised, the muster of young people was very good ; the adults were not so numerous as expected. The weather was happily fine/or rather nearly fine enough. The afternoon was devoted to the usual games, races, &c., the distribution of lollies and prizes. The tea in the hall was most abundant, first-class in quality, and disposed of with fervour and energy, it was under the control of Miss Becrof and an efficient committee. The president of the Band of Hope (Mr. Coupland) presided at the evening meeting, and dispensed a somewhat carefully-prepared programme. With the exception of an excellent address from Mr. Joshua Robinson, now on a visit to Port Albert, and a few other items, the things given were leagues above the brain power of the juveniles, although the poor dears cheered everything noisily ." enough. Amongst the artists gracing the movement and platform with their presence and aid were Mrs. Waters, Mr. William Armitage, Misses Gray, Green, and Dudding, and Messrs Raine, Becroft, and A. Worker. Mrs. W. Dudding presided at the harmonium.—[Own Correspondent.]