Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8531, 3 April 1891, Page 4

The term of office of Sir F. D. Bell as Agent-General expires ill October next, and we presume that the Government are now anxiously looking about for a successor. Sir F. D. Bell has had a reign of ten years, and he has filled the position with ability and with dignity. But it is understood that he will not seek any extension of his term, and indeed the general impression is that it would be a good thing to have a change. Sir Harry Atkinson, it is understood, would have been Agent-General but for the fact that Sir F. D. Bell declined to vacate the office at the critical time, preferring to wait a few months till his term was finished. He had made his arrangements, and he could not disturb them to suit Sir Harry Atkinson. So the late Premier had _to take the Speakership of the Legislative Council, which on the whole was a more suitable office for him. The Ballance Government have now in their appointment the best office at the command of the Ministry, and who is to be the lucky man 1 A week or two ago, the Wellington correspondents busied themselves about this matter, but seemingly they have forgotten all about it within the last few days. While they had it in hand they mentioned several names—names which never.would have occurred to anybody but an ingenious correspounent who was entirely at sea. First, was mentioned, Mr. W. B. Perceval, of Christchurch, a man who has in no way made himself conspicuous as a politician, and of whose capacity and ability to sustain the office nobody has had any opportunity of forming an opinion. Then Sir W. Jervois was mentioned. No doubt," Sir William was a very good, careful Governor, and he still retains a warm affection for New Zealand. But it is not in the nature of things that an ex* Governor should be made AgentGeneral. We ought to have a man who is thoroughly identified with the colony, and not one who merely resided here for a few years. Sir Robert Stout has even been mentioned, and he is certainly the man of most ability on the Ballanca side. But it would hardly suit him to take it, unless he means to clear out of New Zealand with the woolsack in view. Besides, we could scarcely endure to have the AgentGeneral a conspicuous figure in a Grand Orient Masonic Lodge, or presiding at Agnostic lectures in the Temple of Science.

Our cable messages this morning state that intense excitement has been occasioned in America by the action of the Italian Government in recalling their ambassador. It is regarded in the States as hasty and impolitic. Congress has been summoned, and the American Minister in Rome has been instructed to impress upon the Italian Government patience and moderation in the present crisis. No one, however, seriously believes that the diplomatic rupture will be followed by a declaration of war. Further particulars of the rising at Manipur are published to-day. The Indian force took refuge in the British Residency on being attacked, and defended it until their ammunition was exhausted. The survivors then sallied forth and fought their way over the hills until they met Captain Cowley's detachment. The English officers are said to be safe. The influenza epidemic has made its appearance in Berlin, and many deaths have occurred. Professor Tyndall is in a very critical state of health.

The Naval Commander-in-chief add the captain and officers of H.M.s. Orlando have issued cards for an " At Home " on Thursday, April 9, from three to six p.m. Boats are to be at the wharf.

• On Monday last an old and respected resident of Thames, Mr. Samuel Viall, sen., died at his residence, Karaka Road, after a long and severe illness. Mr. Viall was a colonist of long standing, having arrived in Adelaide, S.A., in the year 1547; but, after a short stay there, he came on to New Zealand, and was for a long time employed in the Kawau copper mine, which was then the property of an Aberdeen company, under Captain Minnis. After this he paid a visit to Newcastle, N S. W., but only remained away about six months, when he again returned to the Hawaii. From the Kawau he proceeded to the Great Barrier copper mine, and from thence to the Drury coal mines, which were then under the management of the late Mr. William Howe. The outbreak of the Maori war soon necessitated his leaving that locality, when he came ort to the Thames, and for a number of years followed his avocation as a miner under Captains Ninnis and Kernick. About six years ago he bought a farm at Mnhurangi, and removed there with his wife and only living son, where ho remained a period of four years, when he proceeded to the Kawau to report on the mine there for a private gentleman. Whilst there ho had a slight paralytic stroke in his left arm, and three months afterwards he received a second and more severe shock which rendered him quite helpless. He was then brought back to tho Thames and remained there up to his death. Deceased was a native of Camborne, Cornwall, and was greatly respected by all with whom he came in contact. He took a very lively interest in church matters during his first prolonged stay at Thames, and for many years was one of the trustees for the Grahamstown Wesleyan Church. He was also a Rechabite, being a member of the Thames Star of Hauraki Tent. He leaves a wife and four childrenthree daughters and a son—whilst his grandchildren number no less than 16. His funeral on Wednesday was largely attended, and was carried out in the true old Cornish fashion, a group of singers preceding the hearse.

A coroner's inquest was held yesterday at Ardmore, on the body of William Veitch (the victim of the Southern Wairoa tragedy), by Mr. McLennan, J.P., acting coroner, and a respectable jury. About a dozen witnesses were examined, and the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful Murder" against Fry alias Floyd. Floyd was got defended by counsel. He put no questions to the witnesses, and appeared to be somewhat unconcerned. Inspector Broham was present, and watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police Department. He had the prisoner taken up in charge of Constables Lamb and Stephenson on the previous night, and the two officers took watch and watch during the nights over the prisoner, who never slept, and occupied most of the time whistling. Accused has several aliases, but now gives the name of White, and states that he made no defence at the inquest, as he is awaiting intelligence from his friends in the South as to what steps to take, his sister, he states, being married to some medical man in the province of Nelson. He is stated to have a police record, having served some terms of imprisonment for various offences. Fry was brought down last night by the late train from Mercer in charge of the two constables and lodged in the Auckland lock-up. | Inspector Brohftm also returned to town.

A circular has been issued to the share, holders of the South British Insurance Company, stating that the result? of the business for the half-year just ended are of a.most satisfactory character, and that the directors intend to pay, 0.. the Bth insfc., an interim dividend at the rate of 10 per centr. per annum.

To-morrow, His Excellency the Governor is to attend the Hamilton races. He will leave Auckland by special train at 9.10 a.m. arriving at Hamilton East racecourse at; i p.m. The Governor will be accompanist by a considerable number of the officers )£ the English fleet now in harbour, aad several from the Austrian warship Saida. Th« Railway Department are to run a cheap train to Hamilton in connection with tha races, and it will leave Auckland at 7 a.m. His Excellency will return to Auckland ab about 9 p.m. the same day: ; We have to acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Record (Y.M.C.A.) for April. , 15 states that Mr. W. Hind-Smith, the general secretary of the National Council of the Young Men's Christian Association, may be expected back in' Auckland to hold a meeting in the 24th instant, if all be well. He is muc\ better, and hatf recovered from the accideifc he sustained in Auckland. The new ccmmittee of the Y.M.C.A. has set to work* in earnest. Strong sub-com-mittees havebeen appointed, who will soon meet to arringe the programme for the coming seascij. Mr. Button is stated as not in very.food health at present, and that he will nd\ be able to take the Sunday afternoon class*or a short period. His addresses are well attended and appreciated. The present nuftber contains the general news of the institution and the annual report, as well as a number of well-selected excerpts. \ Captain Castle, of H.M.S. .Rapid, and Lieutenant White.Vtorpedo lieutenant of H.M.s. Orlando, let yesterday for Wellington, under ord»s from Admiral Lord Charles Scott, to mace an inquiry into the causes of the recen%un • cotton explosion accident, by which ',wo members of the Colonial Torpedo Cops lost their lives. Presumably the inquiry is being made at the instance of the Coimial Government.

There is little further to record regarding the Operative Bootmakers' Union's strike. Mr. Shera, M.H.R., las interviewed the Auckland Manufactures 1 Association, and made his suggestion asfco arbitration in the same terms as ho die to the deputation from the union. The manufacturers expressed their accepta|ce of his proposals for arbitration, and nit only to the .Employers' Association, bvb to any fairly constituted body of arbitl'atok They are awaiting the reply of the union before taking other steps. A number of beichers, finishers, and clickers leave for the South by the s.s. Takapuna on Monday text, having received offers of work there.; A" manufacturer, speaking on the matte yesterday, said > " Both aides had jusfcie on their side. Tha truth would be found nidway." Finishers could earn splendid wages,'. and he knew of men who had earned £4, £4 ss, £4 10s, and £4 15s a week. The bsnchmen could earn more than £2 a-week; his own had earned £2 8b a-week, but he held they were too poorly paid, and were entitled to a rise. The Southern boot vas better made, and contained more leather than the Auckland one. That was owing to plimatic conditions requiring it. If the henchmen were better paid, he thought there was little cause of compaint. . According to the men'* assertions these variations are provided fo? by the rules. They contend that with the old statement" the manufacturers did not keep good faith with each other, some firms paying on certain lines lOd, Is and Is Id, and other lines 3£d, 4d, and 4£d respectively for the very same articles. They further say that some firms are now paying more than the new " statement," and still prospering. It is contended that several of the English " statements — notably Northampton—are higher than the new federated *' statement."

The University and Eden and Epsom Lawn Tennis Clubs meet morrow afternoon at three o'clock to play off the series of interclub doubles arranged by the A uckland Lawn Tennis Association. University representatives are Ladies : Ist, Mrs. C. R. Chapman and Miss Gorrie; 2nd, Misses Nicholson and Rig by. Combined: Ist, Miss Scherff and Mr. Gould; 2nd, Miss Atkinson and Mr. Wooller. ' Gent's : Ist, Messrs. Goldie and Rich; 2nd, Messrs. Chew and Humphries. Eden and Epsom representatives : Ladies Ist, Misses 801 l and J. Paton ; 2nd, Misses Durrieu and Hall. Combined : Ist, Miss Spiers and Mr. Gledhill 2nd, Miss M. Paton and Mr. Macfarlane. Gent's : Ist, Messrs.' Carr and Morrison ; 2nd, Messrs. Hooper and UpfilL First combined and second gent's will be played on University LawnS, the others at Mount Eden. These matches are very interesting as they decide which will be the premier club for this, season. . Visitors to either lawns are cordially invited.

As one indication of the improvement in trade here, it was stated at the meeting of the Operative Bootmakers' Union, the other night, that rents were rising. One operative said he had that day taken a house in Surrey Hills at 5s 6d a-week. A month previously he could have eot it at 4s pel week. The determination of the Building Societies nob to advance money on houses built for purely speculative purposes has also helped to harden rates.

The Timber Mill and Bushmen's Union held their monthly social in the Cook-street Hall last night. There were about 160 persons present. The following programme was creditably executed Song, "The Sailor's Grave," Mr. Herbert (H.M.s. Rapid) ; song, " The Yellow Rose oi Texas," Mr, Greenshjelds; song, Break it Gently," Mr. Edwards ; song, "I am a Soldier and a Man," Mr. Davenport (H.M.s. Orlando); hornpipe, Mr. J. Ryan ; Irist jig, Air. Davenport ; song, " Advance Australia," Mr. McGuinness. Mrs. Gordon kindly presided at the piano. "

The Auckland Amateur Rowing Association will hold their. annual regatta tomorrow, in the harbour. There will be a champion gig race, six gig races, and three whaleboat races. The p.s. Eagle will follow the races, leaving Queen-street Wharf at two p.m., and Call at the Railway Wharl during the afternoon. There will be a band on the flagship. ;

The President of the . Miners' Union, Thames, has received nine poems upon the subject of "The Dignity of Honest Labour," for the prize presented by Mr. R. McDonald Scott, of Auckland. The Revs. S..J. iNeill and .Father O'Reilly have kindly consented to act as judges in selecting the one which they consider the best entitled to the prize, but as the former is at present absent from the Thames the result will not be known for some days.

The. Burns' Club gave a very successful social concert in the Masonic Hall, Newton, last night, there being a large attendance, Mr. Fowlds occupied the chair. The programme Was. as follows :—Pianoforte solo, " The Campbells are Coming," Miss Adams; song, " Death of Nelson," Sir. Parish ; recitation, " How to Float a Company," Mrs. Robinson; son?, "Gae Bring, to Me a Pint o' Wine, Mr. Armstrong ; reading, " Jeems Kaye at the Photographers;" song, "Oh Why Left I My Hame," Miss McKenzie; recitation, " Kate Maloney," Mrs. Armstrong; duet, " Huntingtower," Mrs. Cottingham and Mr. Armstrong; song, " Robin Adair," Mr. W. Heath; reading, "The Hotel Bed," Mr. Parker; song, " The Old Pensioner," Mr. Parish ; song, "We're a' John Tamson's Bairns," Mr. Campbell. The proceedings were brought to a termination by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."

On Sunday afternoon, at the Opera House, at three o'clock, Mr. Collins will deliver a free lecture on " The True Story of the Irish, a Struggle for Home Rule," with,a collection to defray expenses. Xii the evening he will lecture on the topic, "Do We Live Aftei Death." Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Stevens desire to thanli Messrs. Hale Brothers, Mr. D. P. Burnside, and others, for great kindnesses received at and since the late lamentable drowning accident. The annual meeting of the Auckland Football Club will be hold at the Imperial Hotel this evening, at eight o'clock, for the election of new ' members and officers, and to make arrangements for the coming season. Messrs. Samuel Vaile and Sons will hold an important auction sale of real estate at theit land auction rooms, 85, Queen-street (opposite Fort-street) this day. They will sell a number of small farms, situated a short distance from Auckland, and having good water frontages ; also a choice homestead on Howick beach, a six-roomed house in Karakastreet (Newton), a farm of 296 acres, and other properties. The sale takes place at two p.m. sharp. !