THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1891.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8671, 14 September 1891, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1891.

In another column will bp found the manifesto of the National Association of" New Zealand, a political body just constituted in Auckland. It is expected that similar associations will be formed throughout New Zealand, and, if so, there can be no doubt that the organisation will wield a considerable amount of political power, in the manifesto the objects of the Association are briefly stated. We do not propose to criticise the programme of the new political body at present. Some objection might, we think, be taken to it on the ground that it is rather vague to attract much enthusiasm, and that those who are amazed at what the House of Representatives has done, and at what they have attempted to do, are ready for issues of a much more direct character. This, however, is a matter which can easily be rectified, and will come right naturally as issues are joined. The formation of something like a Conservative party must have been anticipated by everyone who considered the results of last, election and who has followed the proceedings in the House. In any case, a new party would have had to be formed. The Atkinson party never possessed the elements of opposition to a reckless Liberalism, which has become Socialism, and besides it was completely wrecked just before the late elections by the action of its leader. It is therefore imperative that a new party should be formed, if there are to be two parties in the State, and if the whole of our legislation is not to be given up to an extreme section who, we believe, do not represent the majority of the electors, and who certainly do not represent those to whom this colony is everything in the way of wc'lbeing. As a matter of course, the Government of the country is in the hands of the majority of the House of Representatives. As regards this session, much mischievous legislation has been stopped by the Legislative Council, but that body cannot be expected to continue to act in this way. The Legislative Council ought not to be placed in the position of acting for a party as against the dominant section of the House of Representatives. • It lias no ; power to' continue to do that, because the House could, insist upon new members being called to carry out the will of the majority in that Assembly, which is, in theory at least, the majority in the constituencies. A political association, organised to prevent the spread of mischievous political views, must not only look at the statute-book, and attempt to repeal obnoxious legal provisions. They must consider the sentiments which have been expressed, and the. threatened tendency of legislation. That tendency is set forth in the programme of the National Liberal Association, which was inaugurated in Dunedin a short time before the meeting of the House, and which ramifies throughout the colony. Be it remembered that that was not a meeting of some hare-brained faddists, or of a few. Socialists who could be put aside as having no influence on legislation. It was presided over by . the Hon. Mr. Seddon. Mr. Earnshaw, M.H.R., Mr. Pinkerton, M.H.R., and Sir Robert Stout took part in the proceedings, while Mr. Fish, M.11.R,, sent his sympathy and good wishes. The lirst plank in the platform of the Association was:—"Securing voting power to every adult, and the abolition of all property qualification." That an etfort has been made during the past session to realise the programme of the Association is shown by the fact that the Electoral Bill, as it left the House of Representatives, made law this first point of the Socialistic party's charter. If it does not become law at once, it will solely be by the resistance of the Legislative Council. The second plank of the platform is " That the Government undertake as a State funcI tion, the employment of all needing work." Something has been done in this way, but there have been difficulties encountered. If the Government could employ everybody, the exodus would certainly be stopped. But at the utmost the Government could only find work for those who could do physical labouring work. What is to be done with the many others who lose j their employment? The third plank was: "The State ownership of land, mines, railways, and coastal marine service." As regards the ownership of land, the party are convinced of the justice and practicability of carrying out Henry George/s theory. That theory is, that the value shall be taken out of all private land, in town or country, by .practically confiscating it to the State by the imposition of a tax so heavy as to take away all sellintr value or " economic value." We need not cite any private member as a believer in this extraordinary doctrine. In his speech on the third reading of the Taxation Bill, the Premier said, "I go even further than Henry George goes, and I say that the State should own all land. I believe in the nationalisation of land. I say that the State should not part with a single acre more of its land, for I thoroughly believe in land nationalisation." The party are proud of having made a great stride in the direction of land nationalisation during the past session, and they will certainly go further unless prevented. The fourth plank is : "The statutory limitation of legal rent and interest." We need not enumerate the whole programme of the National Liberal Association as it was laid down at the meeting. It included:

Government labour.. bureaux (that lias ! been" carried oil progressive land and income 'j tax . (carried : out), land : companies to be taxed periodically to an amount equal to the average proceeds of succession dues (deferred for the present, the purpose being reached in another way), sole tenure of land to be a lease from • the State (carried out so far by the Land Bill), nationalisation of mines (the thin edge of the wedge inserted), nationalisation of coastal marine . service (threatened), a State bank of issue (deferred for the present), an .elective revising committee with'"-limited powers instead of a Legislative Council (opinions freely expressed in the House that the Council should be abolished).

. When a short time before the session we published the programme of the National Liberal Association, it was perused with amazement, and also with contempt, as being altogether absurd. But if anyone will look at it now, lie will sec that a good (or bad) beginning has been made, and that if the whole programme is not to be realised, a new party must be formed, and the constituencies must wake up.

The cablegrams this morning seem to show that there is a probability of the Eastern Question being re-opened, owing to the aggressive attitude taken up by Russia at every point'. It is stated that the Sultan has accorded an interview to the British Ambassador, respecting the recent firing on British Vessels in the • Dardanelles. Mr. Gladstone, who . was the champion of Bulgaria some years ago, appears to be now averse tp, her. supremacy in the Balkans. ~ A German paper publishes some sensational rumours concerning' the' supposed designs of Russia on Constantinople. Russia and France are still coquetting with each other, and a Franco-Russian demonstration at Toulon elicited a congratulatory telegram from the Czar. M. de Freycinet has been making a pronouncement upon the military position of France and her preparedness for emergencies. As a counterblast the Emperor William of Germany, referring to the late Austrian military manoeuvres, eulogises the Austrian army, and states that Austria and Germany could await any eventualities in Europe with indifference. Chili is now reckoning up her little bill for the late civil war, and it amounts to. 70,000,000 dollars. The new elections are to take place under universal suffrage. As the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry into the charges of official corruption in Canada, several high officials have been convicted of bribery. The British Government are inquiring into the suitability of Canada as a field of emilira tion, for the population from Irish congested districts. From the cablegrams it will be' seen that the prospects of the NewSouth Wales loan are discouraging, and the warning given by the Economist to British investors will be read with interest.

A letter by last mail, from a gentleman in London to his agent in Auckland, gives general instructions about different property to be sold amounting in value to over £8000, ami to remit the money direct to London for investment there, and then says," If 1; hold on to this property I will have to pay an income tax of one shilling in the pound in Hew Zealand, in addition to the sixpenny income tax which is deducted here." /. '

Amongst the through passengers per the R.M.S. Monowai, from Sydney to America, was the well-known lecturer Major H. C. Dane and his wife, who are on their way home to the States, after a successful tour by the former through Australia. The s.s. Takapuna, which arrived at Onehunga on 'Saturday, brought up from the South the southern portion of the outgoing San Francisco mail. The incoming direct mail ex R.M.s. liuapehu also came to hand by the Takapuna, and was delivered during the afternoon.

: By the California!! mail we have received a pamphlet showing the progress of woman's work in connection with the Chicago World's Fair, and the great aid the lady managers and their allies are affording the project. In these days, of the proposed female franchise it is interesting to note the part woman is playing in this gigantic enterprise of the great American Republic. The president of the Board of Lady Managers (Mrs. Palmer) visited Europe. She has enlisted the cordial co-operation of the greatest ladies in England, equally with that of the bread-winning women. An association looking to the interests of women at the Exposition is in process of organisation in London. H.R.H. the Princess Christian is especially enthusiastic in the cause. A similar society has been formed in Paris, and M. 'Roche, the head of the French World's Fair Commission, has pro mised to give women official recognition. President and Madame Carnob accorded Mrs. Palmer a private audience, and they also became most valuable allies of the Board of Lady Managers. Wherever the president of the Board has gone, thence came immediately some significant demonstration of friendliness towards it. From Austria, a woman who edits a journal in the interests of women, enters into cordial relations with Exposition headquarters, opening her columns to the lady managers, and offering every assistance in her power. From Berlin—from every direction—come indications of the Board's growing influence. Even the fettered yomen of Turkey are gazing wistfully this way, and. ask, through Madame Zacharoff, who' represents the Turkish Compassionate Fund, what chance they are to have; which among their many kinds of wonderful embroideries they should prepare for exhibition. It is announced, that Mexican women will receive official recognition from Mexico's World's Fair Commission ; and this, in view of the country's extreme conservatism, and of the almost oriental limitations of the privileges of its women, is one of the most striking and extraordinary incidents transpiring in connection with, the Columbian Exposition. As showing how the States of the Union view the co-operation of the women of America, Illinois ha,3 placed eight women on the State Commission, and placed 10 per cent, of the State's Appropriation at their disposal; Indiana has placed women on five out of the eight committees; Massachussetts has placed three women, and Rhode Island four women on the State Commission ; in Maine the Commission is equally composed of men and women ; in''Arkansas the wife of the Governor is the ablest member of the Commission; In every instance, excepting the three special appointments in Colorado, the lady commissioners receive no salary, only their expenses when engaged in the actual service of the Commission being paid by the State.

. The Supreme Courb was crowded on Saturday, during the continued hearing of the charge of libel preferred against Hugh Shortland, solicitor, and in the gallery there were quite a crowd of ladies, amongst whom was Mrs. Shorlland, the young wife of the accused. The rebutting evidence given in the evening was of an overwhelming character. The accused addressed the jury on his own behalf for nearly two hours, and His Honor threatened, on one occasion, to commit him for insulting the Supreme Court in some of his remarks. Mr. Campbell then addressed the jury, and referred in the most scathing terms to the accused. The jury elected ati nine o'clock at night to take an adjournment until ten o'clock this morning, when His Honor will sum up the case to them. A detailed report of as much of the case as is fib for publication appears in another column.

The civil.sittings of the Supreme Court will be opened by His Honor Mr. Justice Conolly at eleven' o'clock this morning. The list is a pretty lengthy one, and although the case of the Ouicial Assignee v. Mrs. Black, which was set down for trial by a special jury of *12, has been deferred until next December, the other cases will probably last for some time.' Jurors summoned and persons interested in the causes should be promptly in attendance.

, By the lonic, at the end of April, Messrs. E. Seddon and S. Meyers, ,of Marshland, Canterbury, sent home a few pounds of onions. Advice has just reached them that the onions "arrived • all right, and kept in .splendid condition." Though in charge of - a passenger, the onions were placed in the vessel's hold, and no special trouble was taken with, ■ them. : They wore Brown Spanish and Brown Deptford, and were thoroughly ripe when shipped. • '

The authorities of the Church of v„ i j •of the diocese of Auckland J n^ft nd divide the fundf hitK^ 0 h r« u eddrf to " Home Alission Fun /'inth as the fundfrr-namely, the ,Si& Se T P arat « which will be dovotcd entirely to j ?' tenanco of the diocesan missionary » iT' assistants in those districts which aS-in' out clergy; andthe"CountrvCl ' •Fund," the object of which is to*id ? y wholly underpaid clergy resident and mini* tering 111 poor country districts. Th.'int tion of the authorities in ordering th» ton of these two distinct fund ft ■ those who have strong preference, . 1^ 9 -scribe to that which most commends iSi to their sympathies. Funds are urUK required In referring to the subject All - Saints yesterday morning the \?\. at Calder warned his congregation not to'eon' aider that the necessary aids to rr ; • were for the town, alone, and tha Te country districts might starve in the,! respects. There were those who said w there were always a number of travel!,, evangel,sis, who were very anxious to h,"? themselves talk and asked why should *' the teaching of their country bretlir#.., T left to these? However, if the .ou' 8 districts were left to the guidance of evlll religious quack that came alon.» 11,2 religious life was doomed. He was^hdt see that All Saints'was doing somethim, They had : agreed that their clemym-u*' should devote;' six Sundays in the \ r eVt'! country work, and next Sunday was one of these. - Settlers in the out-district* wanted considerable heroism, and this could not but be,inspired by the contemplation of the life of the most heroic of men. the niin Christ Jesus,

Our correspondent at Rotorua wires on Saturday " The tourist traffic duritv» the past week was 12 arrivals and 20 departure* including three patients from the sum' torium.. There are now 27 at the hoteland five at the Government sanatorium " ' A meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute wag held in the Wellesley-street school on Satur day afternoon the president (Mr. lieriob) occupying the chair. Mr. Rurlinson was elected a member of the branch, on the motion of Mr. Draffin, seconded'by Mr Worthington. Mr. O'Donoghuo, in accordance with notice given, moved to the effect that the meetings should ho held in ti lu evening instead of in the afternoon of the specified days ; and Mr. Lippiatt moved la an amendment, "That the medfthgs be held at eleven a.m. on the second Saturday of each month." 'A number of members spoke to the question, the generally expressed opinion being in favour of continuing as at present. Ultimately the chair. man' moved, to the effect that as a month had not elapsed since notice of motion was given, further consideration should be deferred, and this course was agreed to. Mr. Worthirigton having read a letter relative to a teachers' superannuation fund, it was decided to discuss it at next meeting. The chairman read a paper promised six weeks ago, dealing with various matters connected with education and the schools generally, including the questions of quarter money, pupil teachers, examinations, and the work carried on in the Auckland district. On the motion of Sir. Worbhiiigton, seconded by Mr. lioskings, A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Heriob for his able paper and Mr. Scott suggested that it should h printed, and the discussion postponed til next meeting. This was agreed to on the motion of Mr. Lippiatt. Mr. O'Donotihuo moved, " That the thanks of this Institute be respectively tendered to the Board of Education—(l) for cancelling the regulation enjoining the copying of country school rolls; (2), for making the holidays uniform for all schools under the Board." Mr. O'Donoghue said that he hoped the motion would be carried unanimously, but Mr, Bailey objected, and Mr. O'Donoghue had then to give notice of .motion.

There was very little business of importance transacted at the Police (Joint 011 Saturday morning, before Dr. Giles, R.M. Besides one case of drunkenness and u maintenance case, the only business was a charge of travelling from Retnuera to Newmarket without having previously paid his proper fare, brought against a young man man named William Bruce. The prosecution admitted that there was no intention of defrauding, bub that the man arrived at the station just in, time to scramble into a carriage. Still, it was necessary to put a stop to this sort of thing. A nominal fine of 5s and costs was inflicted.

Advantage: was recently taken of the presence in Melbourne of Mr. Eddy, New South Wales Railway Commissioner, to make arrangements for a federal mail train, which will commence running on the Ist January next. By this arrangement the English mails from Adelaide will be brought into Melbourne in time to catch the through train to Sydney, and the .Queensland service being arranged to suit this, the Queensland people will gain a flay l and a half and the Sydney people half a day in preparing correspondence for the outgoing mail. It was also decided to establish a daily through train from Melbourne to Sydney, Sundays excepted.

A meeting of the Auckland Institute will be held in the Museum buildings this evening, when Mr. James Stewart, C.H., will give a popular lecture on the " Rotonu Railway and District." The lecturer will not only describe the engineering difficulties which had to be surmounted in constructing the railway over the i'atetere plateau, but he will also give an interesting account of the district as a whole. To illustrate this portion of the subject a considerable number of limelight transparencies have been especially prepared, and will be exhibited to the audience. They will give an excellent idea of the scenery of the country through which the railway passes. A meeting was held in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, at three p.m. yesterday, for the-purpose of forming a branch of the Irish National Federation in Auckland. Mr. 1). Fiynn was voted to the chair. Mr. Cox-, M.P., explained the objects of the Federation, which, he said, was to weld the Irish people the world over, for the purpose of attaining Irish liberty; to disseminate Irish literature relating to the political movement, and to aid by advice and assistance, emigrants from _ the old country. The federation was entirely unsectarian, and £8000 had been raised by it in Ulster for the political campaign, Several gentlemen spoke on the subject, and it was proposed and agreed to, that a • branch of the federation should be started in Auckland. A committee was appointed ■to carry out initial matters for a meeting on Thursday evening next, in St. Patricks Hull, Chapel-street. Mr. Cox intimated that, on his return from the South, lio would give a lecture to the members on the humorous side of the Coercion Act in Ireland, reminiscences which had been well received by the London Press. The ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board takes place to-morrow afternoon a half-past two o'clock, for the transaction o routine business. Late on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning is the favourite time lor sailors to tumble over the Queon-stree • Wharf, and last Saturday was no.. except! to the rule. Shortly after midnight ton stable O'Brien, who was on duty on Queenstreet Wharf, heard a yell and a splash 1 ; a seaman fell over the breastwork into sea. John Griffiths, waterman, who : wareturning from the North Shore at _ time, fished the man out of the water, an< was little the worse for his bath. • _ stable O'Brien, on his being brought ashore, arrested the man, also an 0 Brien, o charge of drunkenness. He was taken the lock-up, and given a change ot my clothing. A very pleasant and interesting eclu j,, •on "Tho Wonderland of New Ze»l»nJ was delivered at "Ferndale 011 , " J evening, for the Mount Albert Mutual, by Mr. Josiali Martin, who exhibited six } limelight views, illustrating places of >" rest in and around Rotorua. Mr. * . evidently had spent much time and pati in securing views of the geysers, etc., best ad vantage, and the racy, pleasing & )• • describing the sights and people . he ' visited, made a very enjoyable and ins .. g tive lecture. Miss Michell and j * Fortzer rendered musical items at i vnls, and thus added to the P «®j» « " the evening. A hearty vote of thanks 0 f accorded to the lecturer on the 11,0 .. ■ Mr. Geo. Fowlds and the Rev. F. La' "• The anniversary services of the _I 5 market Wesleyan Church were held V , : day. The Rev. ]). McNiccoll p.e chuj .„ the forenoon, and Rev. _S., J. * ' ~,,,1 the afternoon and evening- H ~„j. public meeting in connection witu ■ ■ versary will lie held to-morrow Mr. J. L. Wilson will preside, an.l ad homas will be delivered by the Revs. 13. L. and S. J. Serpell.

An inquest was he on Saturday afternoon, at the Ho3pitA oonccrn i n g the. circumstances connected v the death of Mr. Richard Sandall, oijden Terrace,,who D , o t with an accident o'tphuraday last, the particulars of which wor published in our; jssuo of Saturday. ' l>r.'hilson, coroner, 1 presided, and Mr. James 'lark was chosen foreman of the jury. o merville, the Hospital surgeon, gave e-dence to the e fleet that deceisod was reived into the Hospital on Friday morning,' offering from t severe wound in the rogi« 0 f the eye, and in spite of all that aurgiol treatment could do, died about an hour,afterwards. The 7>o»t mortem examination slowed that tho hook by which the injury wis inflicted 1 must have penetrated about two inches into tho head, piercing tho brain. Tfc« cause of death was laceration of the brain, from which hemorrhage rosultod. It. Laury, and Messrs. 11. J. G. Sandall aid B. G. Sandall also gavo evidence. Tit] jury brought in a verdict to tho effof "That death had resulted from injuir' received accidentally." j The well-known firm of W. McAr/>c rihl Co., Quoen-streot, have added tqtli already large manufacturing portio « their establishment a now and impose branch, that of the manufacture of >W umbrellas. Some time ago tho firry- 0 / n.t'iiced the manufacture of ladit/W" brellas, importing tho whole of the mauds, frames 'and handles, and finishinshjm here. Mr. Lawrence, tho head i f lO umbrella department, has found so successful that the manufacture o l3ll ' B umbrellas has now followed, but to- om " piish this an increase of plant and 3 was necessary, wirh tho natural result ory materially increasing the amount >y»ges paid tor labour. Although the)? 3 °f course the increased cost of 1 aboil l the colony^as compared with the olt)P oun * ■ tries of the world, the difference] duty on manufactured umbrellas impoie mora than compensates the firm for Mating the materials, manufacturing tie; here, and competing successfully witi ,e i'Uported articlo. Tho first output ) been purchased by Mr. W. H. Fen ton, /whose ?hop they are now conspicuously delayed, occupying tho whole of one of r show windows, and where we had theorftunity of examining them on Saturdf The frames'; are what are known ajparagon frames, the specialty of which i.4e fluted rib.-, and the fittings and runner*'® brass, thus preventing damage from rijto which iron liftings subject the coverin/Another feature is that all the edges afdk sewn, and tho seams are so accurateljtted that they are covered internally by/e ribs and do not. show. Tho handles of various patterns in bamboo, pimento, F-', and are very neat, but of course the cH matter is the covering material, altlxih the contraction is also a feature, asi frames are respectively 10, 12, ant? J6 PS according to size. The covering cf thduperior sorts is what is technically \novJ as satin de thine, a very beautifil jpric, and the other, a cheaper qua lit', is/hat is known us gloria. These, Mr Lajrence informs us, are what are fountUo b| most suitable far the colonial marks ant/as the object of the firm is to sup»y w/at is required, they havo nob at p«ont jo tie in for the manufacture of the/ore expensive style of silk umbrellas. I I The Scotsman Wain? the following paragraph, of intent to s«tne of our Auckland readers :—"jie principals and professors of the Uijersity of St. Andrew's (United and St. Ai T 's Colleges) recently entertained Mr. /in Hay, of Auckland, at a banquet in the/iiversity buildings. Mr. Hay is a native/fFife, and nephew of the late Mr. l)avi Berry, of Coolangatta, Shoalliaven, Afshilia, who a short time a.'o bequeathe t< St. Andrew's University thenumiticenMint)f £100,000. Mr. Hay, we understand, ifcreitly interested in the development at' future prosperity of the an* cient UniverJty, aid, during his short visit to Scotland,As availed himself of the opportunity of i'scerlaining personally the requireniery and aspirations of that famous seat of leai/ng."

We rep/ to have to record the death of Mrs. Pre#, Grafton Road, widow of the lata Mr. ft W. Preece, for many years lioverau Land Purchase Agent in this district./'lie deceased lady has been ailing for a y/ar just, bearing her illness with sreat fiirtitite. Some days ago she began to sink, 1 and assed peacefully away, in the presence of fcr family, on Saturday evenin», at the ither early age of 47. Mrs. Preece was vjll known in St. Sepulchre's jwri?h, ami w» beloved by all who came in contact with er, for her kind heart and iterliag cjtialies. The funeral will leave her lute residnce, in Grafton Koacl, at three p.m. to-ay.

Mr. \V. Imptt's recital at his new music studio, 312, Vitoria Arcade, on Saturday evening. wa« a;reat success. There were about 150 pcoifl present, the room being packed, as alt were the corridors. Mr. Impett openefwitti a pianoforte solo, which (,'i'eatly [ileus'l tlio audience. The next item was a so? by Mr. Rowe, "The Gallants of Englnd," which was given in excellent atvle.Mr. Michael Lewis next made his appcarace. In his whistling medley lie held thrtiudionce spellbound, his trills and runs bing given with great facility. Mr. Impetltltot) gave the " Danse Negre," iua brilliot manner. Mr. Rowe's next solo also pJved a success. Mr. Impett'a last solo, " Mjisa's in the Cold, Cold Ground," showed h> executive ability to advantage. Mr. Lew' concluded the proceedings with "TheMcking Bird," which was artistically rendered.

Mr. ftanloy Leigh ton writes the following loUir to the London Times :—" In the State-pled public elementary schools of l'ari.yio fallowing ' Manual of Unsectarian Insfc^fcjtioii' i-< in daily use : -Teacher : 'U'jj;r. is God?' Child : ' We cannot tell.' TftttUr : 1 l)o you acknowledge a superior ori'futrolling Being?' Child : ' Why should wo? 'rove to us the necessity, and show Him to 111' Teacher ; ' It cannot be proved that sue'da Being is indispensable.' Child : 'Then iti:/\vii;<te of time to talk about the matter.' hi eateehifm is summed up in these vviftls ; The term ' God' has no significance, iiineans nothing at all. In Wales, with a population of about 1,500,000 souls, there if- M public elementary schools, rate-aided State aided, in which tho Holy Bible pa prohibited book, and in which neither I'rayer nor religious teaching are permitted. There is but a shadowy distinction bei'tween positive and negative secularism."

A correspondent Writes concerning tho •ccident in Durham-street, and states that it is not the duty of the municipal authorities, but that of tho contractor, to provide for the safety of the public passing by a building in course of construction, and that the building permit contains very striogenb conditions and penalties for the oinisfiion of precautions for the public safety. Ho goes on to say:—"lb 'is the duty of some municipal or police officer to '60 that t he conditions are complied with. At one time tho latter used invariably, when they considered it necessary, to ask for the production of the buildng permit issued, to ic e if the conditions were complied with, : '"<l if not, at once summon tho person liable. The small staff at the disposal of ■tea municipality, renders it necessary that police oflicers should help in these matters ; tut, as in the present instance the work w all within a building, it is evident J™ liability is purely a private one." iha work is not all within the building, for Friday the bricklayers were building up ' '"0 front wall, and handling bricks overnend, while a constant stream of foot pasaenSP'k went along on the pavement underWcath. ]f an y bricklayer bad accidentally 'et full a brick from the height at which the Bten were working on the wall, the result *011 M probably have bosii a serious, if not "'-"l accident, to some pedestrian puseing Wong the pavement below. Possibly the ''jU'i'uwiuw of tho street has been the cause 'the erection of a hoarding not being enorced, but all the same tho obligation of 16 municipal authorities to take some Incautious to secure the safety of the Public remain?. Jj\° widow and family of the lato T. G. ' "in have a benefit concert tendered to ' c,n b >' the Auckland Orchestral Union, 'jounced to take place at the Choral ,'° u Thursday, 17 th instant. Tho con-r-jtshoiildat, tract those who are not directly . wasted in football matches, and who 'not {jo to Potter's Paddock on Saturday. mitt" 3 [ ; °'^ )cl Temperance Mission comSat e , e l 'ted from their usual custom on . • "relay evening, and instead of a concert , >1 g rendered in . the Temperance Hall, a \v"| re Was delivered by the Rev. J. Mail''" '^ le subject was " The Model >iH • a, 'd the rev. gentleman showed conben Ik knowledge of nil conditions of the i • 10 manncr > n which he handled in st J? 06, ,e lecture, while being most >nj niGtlVe ' man y humorous passages, was much enjoyed by those present..

;)n Saturday morning a gumdigger named Jnes Mamie, residing about .four miles in Henderson, called at the police station d reported that on the previous evening 3 infant son, who had been ailing from athing, had been found dead in the cradle, edicine had been given to tho child, but > doctor had attended it. Endeavours ?re made by tho police authorities to get i inquest held on Saturday, but there is > justice of tho peace residing nearer than vondale (Mr. Bollard), and he happened }be in town. Mr. Bollard will go up toly, accompanied by Dr. Lewis, to make 10 necessary inquiry.

'I The funeral of tho late Mr. W. F. Scott, I Mount-street, took place yesterday Scott, : Mount-street, took place yesterday at tho ymonds-street Cemetery. Ho was a very Id settler and widely respected, and as a onsequenco many old follow settlers paid heir last tribute of respect to his momory ay following his remains to their last resting place.

There has just passed away an old Auckland resident in Mr. George Isaacs, who for many years was well known from his former connection with tho City Hall and Opera House. Of late ho has been in delicate health, and has latterly been paralysed.

Special services in connection with the anniversary of the Union-street Wesloyan Sunday-school were held yesterday. There was a large attendance at the morning service, whan Rev. E. Nielsen preached. Miss Neilsen also sang the sacred solos, " Come Unto Me " and " He Wipes tho Tear From Every Eye," accompanying herself on the harp. Rev. D. McNiccoll delivered an admirable address to parents and scholars in the afternoon from Exodus xx., 15. There was a crowded congregation. Miss Neilsen again sang the beautiful solo, " Low At. Thy Feet," and also a Scandinavian song. In the evening Mr. W. Beaumont preached to a largo congregation, from the text, "This God is ourGoU ; lie will be our guide." Miss Neilsen sang "Nearer Homo To-day," and another sacred solo. The church was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers. Special hymns were sung by the scholars under' the leadership of Mr. F. Dryland, and Mr. C. Parker as oganist, assisted by xtiie choir. The public meeting will bo held to-morrow evening at half-past seven, when addresses will be given by ministers and others. ' It will be seen by our advertising columns that a series of athletic sports will be held in Potter's paddock, on tho 23rd proximo, under the auspices of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club and Auckland Rugby Union, to assist the Now Zealand Amatour Athletic Association in raising funds to send an athletic team to England.

Mr. R. McDonald Scott has chartered the s.s. Scotchman to carry a load of coal from Kamo to the Thames, consigned to the Trenton Company, to distribute to tho Trenton, Cambria, May Queen, and Consols mines.

Messrs. Samuel Cochrane and Son will offer by auction to-day, at noon, a large number of town and country properties.

A special meeting of the Auckland Tailors' Union will be held this evening at eight o'clock, in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, on business of importance.

It is notified in our advertising columns that the half-yearly dividend of the Bank of Australasia, equal to 14 per cent, (with bonus), has been declared by the Court of Directors, payable in London on 2nd prox., and will be made available in the colonies on and after the same day.