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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8555, 1 May 1891, Page 4

Our cable messages this morning supply further intelligence of the operations of the British troops in Manipur. The fate of the officers of the ill-starred expedition under the charge of the British Commissioner has been set at rest, their heads having * been discovered at Manipur by General Graham's force. To-day labour demonstrations on a • very large scale will take place in the principal countries in Europe. The London Standard fears that rioting will ensue in France, Germany, and Austria. The influenza is spreading in England, and is proving very fatal. Anarchists in Italy are endeavouring to foment dissatisfaction in the army, and are inciting the troops to shoot their officers.

■ The regular meeting of the City Council last night was remarkable for one thing—its brevity. " The Mayor was absent, and Mr. Crowfchor was called to the chair. There were 13 letters to dispose of, the ordinary business! -to be dealt with, tenders to tconsidered, au application for appointment as engineer at the waterworks, and a motion in regard to Kybcr Pass, of which notica had been given. The greater portion of the balking powers of the Council was present, and it is creditable to the chairman that lie was able to announce to the Council at a quarter to eight o'clock that the whole of the business was finished. It is the best record ever made by the City Council, and the business sheet was by no means a lig' l ' l one.

The shooting season for game opens tins morning, and a large number of sportsmen took their departure for the districts which they most favoured yesterday in order to be in time. So far as we can gather game i! pretty plentiful this year in most of the country districts, bub settlers make a proviso in many cases that, their consent must be obtained before sportsmen can stalk over their land. Sportsmen have gone further afield than usual, and some time will elapse before the decision as to the biggest bag can be given.

' A rather gruesome incident occurred during the voyage of the barque Northern Chief across from Newcastle. She lefs th« big coal port on April 16bh, and on the 26th ulb. was off Mangonui Bluff, on the "vest coast, between the Kaipara and Hokianga harbours. When about ninety miles from land, in a strong breeze with heavy seas running, a* dead body was sighted by the look-out. Closer examination with glasses showed that the body was apparently clad in a dark suit of clothes. Though those on board endeavoured to get close to have» better sight of the corpse, it was quicKiy lost sight of in .the big waves, and the vessel had to continue her voyage. I CIS difficult to conjecture whence came tie body to such a distance from land, but tno unfortunate man may have been lost Ir ° in * vessel passing up the coast, or posssb.y * gumdigger drowned in some of the creeKs Or near the shore of the Mangonui Blun.

A writer in the Ofcago Daily Times, urging a revision of the Bankruptcy Act, considers that it as much the duty of the 1 Government and the courts to protect the public against fraudulent bankrupts as it u to protect it against burglars, garrotersJ light-fingered gentry, and all evil doers I think every honest man who purpose paying his just debts will agree with ta that a? a rule bankrupts are too lenient/ dealt with. Far be it from mo to desire k any May to distress any unfortunate debp who, through uncontrollablecircumstance, might be unable to pay his debts. Sun, however, I believe, are rather the oxcepjpn than the rule. Very, many rush into dot without the slightest prospect or inten/on of ever meeting their liabilities. Theydvo like lords at their creditors' expense aafong is they can, and when compelled wfile, their assets are nil or nearly so. now, what punishment have they to undeio for such robbery? Why. they simpl/havo their certificates suspended for 7 few months. We have at least one nottde exception to this lenienc dealing wittflishonest bankruptcy in the person » Judge Ward, who displays the judgmen/and discretion in dealing with theso pople, and also the courage to commit themio prison. 1 have for years carefully wattied Judge Ward's decisions, and have foury him particularly lenient when dealing \»th honest bankrupts, but when he has to leal with a dishonest one, punishes him *i far as tho law will admit. It would be A d>od investment for tho honest trading community of Otago if they were to subscribers salary (if such a thing were allowable) and secure his services as judge in bankruptcy for the province. With his Henor Mi Ward as judgti hero I feel aspired bankruptcies would be reduced by t\i least 50 per cent. Some time ago He. Charles Macindoo presented to the Auckland Free Public Library Brown's " History of the Highlands," in four volumes, containing beautiful lithographed plates of the clan tortans, etc.. and also information respecting the history and uniforms of the Highland regiments. The work has just proved o' considerable value to one of our tradesmen for reference. He received an order fo* a quantity of Macgregor tartan, but was unable to ascertain definitely the orthodfx pattern, as he had seen two or three variations in the pattern. The p'ntlenan was advised to try the Free Library, where he discovered Brown's "History of the Highlands," and got all the information necessary to enable him to complete his order. It is needless to say ne was greatly pleased at being saved a good deal of trouble. During the late controversy over the tartan of the Black Watch (the 4"2 ad) many old military men referred to the work in question. Mr. Macindoe gave another work to tha Library, " Old Glasgow," which will be of great interest to Glasgowegians. A rather peculiar case was heard at the Police Court, yesterday, when Frederick Pandas, master of the ship Broomhall, was charged with being, on April 25, indebted to Alexander Truegold in the sum of £5 15s, being balance of wages due as able seaman on board the British ship Broomhall, and with l=o having ill-used the said Alexander Truegold that he apprehends danger to his life if he remained on the ship. Mr. Mahony appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Cotter for the defendant. The complainant alleged that he had been grossly ill-used, and was afraid to return home with Captain Dundas. The Bench, however, considered ■that the complainant had nothing to fear, and dismissed the case.

An inquest on the remains of William Wernham, who died at Birkenhead oa Wednesday morning, as repotted in the Herald, was held yesterday at the residence of deceased's family, Birkenhead, and was conducted by Dr. Philson, coroner. The only material information, further than that already published, was given in the evidence of Dr. Knight,, who deposed that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body of deceased, and had found that thd left ventricles of the heart were dilated, ind the mitral valve incompetent and cartilaginous. There was evidence that tie blood-vessels were in a diseased state. Witness was of opinion, therefore, thct the cause of death was disease of the heart, of long standing. The accident to Wernbam's ringer, when it was injured by & fishhook, did not materially contribute to jus death, though it might have had a debilitating effect upon his system. A verdict of "Death from heart disease" was returned. Shortly before eleven o'clock yesterday morning a young man named Giles was suddenly attacked with a tit of epilepsy near Messrs. Whitaker and Russell's office. He was carried into the passage, and Dr. Kenderdine was called to his assistance. After a little time he recovered, and explained that he was subject to attacks of this nature.

An inquest has been held at Tairua by Mr. E. Clay on the body of a guradigger, John Gilbert. The jury returned a verdict of "Denth from heart disease." Sergeant Taylor, who was so badly injured at the recent volunteer sham fight, by a gun being discharged in his face, is gradually recovering his sight under the medical care, of Dr. Wilkins.

Yesterday afternoon, at half-past two, the four-roomed residence of Mr. Richard WalleD, Mason's -Bay, near Buckland's station, was burned down. Mr. Wallen, who is a widower, was engaged working in the vicinity of the house, leaving the door ■jar. While so engaged he saw flames bursting through the roof of the house, and he being unable- to suppress the flames, the building was burned to the ground. It is conjectured, as the fire was on top of a colonial oven, that, with the fresh* wind Wowing, the wind had carried a spark to :oaie inflammable material, and thus set tire to the building. The house was injured for £150 in the South British, but the iiirniture was uninsured. Mr. Wallen's feniily, it seems, were away from home at the time.

At an early hour yesterday morning Mrs. Gatland, wife of Mr. J. B. Gatland, Clerk of Court and Receiver of Gold Revenues at Uoromandel, and eldest sister to the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Native Minister, pujsied away. It will be seen by the telegrams from our Wellington correspondent •hat Mr. L'adman leaves to-day for Auckand in consequence of his sister's death.

Freeh instructions have been received from Wellington to the effect that the police are to enforce the city by-laws as regards unregistered dogs and other matters which most of the New Zealand towns nave carried out by paid officers of the corporation.

•There has just been manufactured M the cabinet-making establishment of Messrs. Winks and Hail, Shortland-street, * beautiful escritoire and writing. desk. Iho design is of the same character as that of the escritoire which Bishop Luck and clergy ordered and sent to Rome as a Jubilee gift to the Pope, but of a much more handsome and expensive style. The ornamental New Zealand woods used are puriri, rewarowa, kohekohe, hinau, tarata, 'jinu. matai, etc. Anything finer than the fading of the puriri panels wehave not Keen. *'"J shell work ornamentation (inlaid) of I'iJriri, kohekohe, and matai is very artistic. Ins bordering of the drawers is in rewarewa an 'i the handles silver mounted. Altogether Ul ° exhibit is a line specimen of cabinet making,

At a meeting of the Thames Borough Council, yesterday evening, a lengthy discission took place in reference to purchasing land suitable for a recreation ground, Due eventually, a resolution was passed to the effect that the Council declines to make 'uch purchase, great stress beimj laid on i e ' ac t that there were no available funds ; or the purpose, as the liabilities of the '-ouncil at present amounted to over £1100.

it A telegram from Chrietchurch states that ,| r ' David Cam, wine and spirit merchant, led yesterday morning from diabetes. He wnved in Canterbury in 1862, and was a Prominent member of the Jewish congregawon, and a man much liked for his kindness 1 heat "t and charitable disposition. ' Messrs. Robert Dakin, John Grey, and • wiiiiam T. Murray were, on the 30th *'P'» nominated at Avondale as candia «a to fill (he three vacancies occurring ™ the Road Board for that district, and t, ' n ? only the number required, the returning officer, Mr. Seaman, declared those gentlemen duly elected. '-. ■ " ■■ a, } e , election of two members of the " 5? hu Road Board in the place of Messrs. "• "urges and T. Bullen, retired, takes a',. 0 on Wednesday- next. Messrs. James anriT 01 ' T. A. Brown, Howard Hutton, a«„ *• Johnston have been duly nominated 43 candidates. ■ ( •

A few days ago we published particulars >f the death of a native named Tauturi Papita, who had committed suicide by f hanging himself to the rafters of his whare, at Wharekawa, An inquest was held by Mr. E. Clay, and the evidence showed that he had taken his life through a love disappointment. He had asked Tamati Te Waiha for his daughter in marriage, but was rejected. Thereupon he became dejected, and was found in the early morning- hanging from the rafters of his residence, dead. The act was of the most determined character. Ho belonged to the Ngatipaoa tribe, and was in middle life. The jury, after hearing the evidence adduced, .returned a verdict "That deceased hanged himself while in a state of unsound mind." Additional particulars have been received by the police authorities as to the gun accident which befel a young man named Alfred Eyre, at Mercury Bay, on the 26th ult. It seems he was out shooting some five mile? ! from Mercury Bay, and while passing the residence of Mr. Shealand in a heavy shower of rain Mrs. Shealand invited him to take shelter on the verandah. During his-con-versation with Mrs. Shealand the butt of the gun slipped on the wet flooring of the verandah, and, striking the hammer, discharged the weapon, the charge entering the unfortunate young man's abdomen. Mrs. Shealand assisted Eyre to bed, and then walked two miles for her husband, who proceeded to get Dr. Bedford, The doctor was soon on the scone, but entertains little hopes of young Eyre's ultimate recovery. The gun, on examination, was found to be in ft dangerous condition, the hammer being tied with the string. A Dunedin telegram says:—Mr. Robert Chapman, an old identity, and father of Mr. C. K. Chapman, who has contested one or two elections, has promised the Reserves Conservation Society £1000 to erect a monument to the memory of the late Rev. Dr. Burns, Presbyterian minister, who came out with the first settlers. The operative bootmakers' strike presents no new phase. A number of the men have visited some of the factories at closing time in the evening, in order to note the operatives who are working, but otherwise nave made no other demonstration. The question is limited now not to a matter of negotiation, but of endurance, and it is stated that the position of the manufacturers is being strengthened daily. It having been definitely decided to continue the Sunday services started by Pastor Birch, at the Choral Hall, and to establish a church upon the lines indicated at the meeting of his supporters on Monday last at the Lome-street Hall, the secretary, Mr. C. H. Clemens, invites, in our advertising columns, applications for membership. A Sunday school is to be formed, and those desirous of becoming members of the teaching staff or of the choir, are requested to meet at the Foresters' Hall, at half-past reven, this evening. , The Government inspection parades of the Auckland Naval Artillery, Ponsonby Naval Artillery, "A" Battery, "O" Battery, Victoria, Newton, and Royal Irish Rifles, and Auckland City Guards are notified elsewhere by Major Coring, officer commanding Auckland volunteer district. The other day our Rotorua correspondent drew the attention of our readers to the fact that petroleum had been discovered on some Government land in the W'aiotapu Valley. The oil rises in a small basin, which holds a tew gallons. Yesterday we received from our correspondent a sample of the crude oil, as it was filled into the

bottle from the pool. It is thick, of a dirty brown colour, and burns quite freely. As yet no analysis has been made of the oil ; but, judging by its appearance, it will probably prove to be oil of good quality when purified. Those interested in the mineral wealth of this part of the colony can inspect the sample on calling at tho publishing office of this journal.

It has been decided to dispense with the Registrar? of Native Land Courts in Auckland and WaDganui. They will carry on at Auckland with a reduced staff, and at Wanganui with a junior. The total saving will be £640 per annum, but compensation will swallow the first year's savings*

One result of the burning of the old printing office at Wellington is that great difficulty is found in obtaining accommodation for the extra census hand*. They used to work there, but an endeavour will be made to find room in the big buildings, where a number of chambers are rendered vacant by retrenchment. Orders have been issued to give the men lately discharged the preference in engaging extra hands for the census.

Mr, Andrew Gray desires to explain his connection with the finding of the cash-box stolen from the Provincial Hotel. When locking up his father's premises in the evening he discovered the cash-box with the contents strewed about in the backyard. He at once informed Constable Mathieson, whom he first met, and they both went back and examined the place.

Our Papakura correspondent sends us an account of the water excursion of the Sawmill employes, which took place on Friday last. The steamer Manukau had been engaged to take the excursionists to Paratutai, where » very pleasant day w*\s spent, the enjoyment of the party being greatly enhanced by the presence of the Newton Brass Band, which played a large number of selections.

Amongst the curiosities of Major Gilbert Mair's collection of Maori articles is one very singular one. It is a large native carving of the Madonna and child. It must have been done soon after the Roman Catholic missionaries came to New Zealand, and the carver has had in his eye some of the common pictures. The effect of this work of art is somewhat grotesque.

In consequence of the Wellington Education Board's low state of-finances, the city members have been authorised to interview

the Minister for Education with a view to getting an increased grant.

The only prisoner in the lock-up last evening was Henry Cook, alias John White, for larceny as a bailee of £2, the property of Henry Johnson, of Waipu. Accused has been remanded to Waipu by Dr. Giles, R.M. ' The management of the Zealandia Skating Rink seems determined to spare neither time, trouble, nor expense to make the place an attractive public resort during the coming winter months. In addition to skating, ample provision ha 3 been made for dancing and bowling, and for those who feel inclined for a ride, the switchback

railway is always ready. In spite of the showery weather, there was a good attendance last night, the various amusements being indulged in with spirit. The rink will bo open again this evening, and a break will run from town every twenty minutes, for the purpose of carrying intending visitors, for which no charge will be made.

To-night at the Opera House Mr. Duncan Ross, champion athlete of the world, assisted by Professor Carrollo and pupils, will give a grand gladiatorial exhibition and concert. Mr. Ross will perform some of his celebrated sword feats, will engage in fencing, singlestick, and wrestling with Mr. P. W. Edwards, and also give an exhition of heavy weight lifting. Professor Carrollo and pupils will perform on the horizontal bar. In the concert part of the programme Mr. Bartley will contribute an overture, whilo Mr. T. M. Jackson and Miss A. Rimmer will render some choice

songs. The notices of Mr. Duncan Ross' performances in the South by the Southern press have been of a most eulogistic charac-

The dance committee of the St. George's Rowing Club are sparing no expense or trouble to make their annual ball, to be held on the Oth May, a success. We understand that His Excellency Lord Onslow will be present, and invitations have been sent to the officers of the French warship, Champlain, now in the harbour. Tenders invited by Masai's. Mahoney and Son, architects, for addition to St. Joseph's Convent, Surrey Hills. The Public Works Office, Wellington, invites alternative tenders for the NgakaWtttt bridge contract, Westport-Ngakawati railway extension, up till noon of 27th inst. A parish evening entertainment takes place to-night, at half-past seven, in St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom, when songs, instrumental music, readings, recitals, etc., will-be given by various ladies and gentlemen. . ;"',; ■

On Sunday next Mr'. W. W. Collins will deliver two lectures in the Lome-street Hall. In the afternoon, at three, on" What Knowledge is of Most Worth," to which admission is free, with collection for expenses.: In the evening, at half-past seven, on Jesus Christ as God, Man, and Moralist." ,