LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9455, 10 March 1894, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Yesterday Lord and Lady Glasgow, Mrs. Stewart, Lady Augusta, Miss Holroyd, Captain Stewart, A.D.C., and Captain Elliot, Private Secretary, went out to the polo match at Potter's Paddock. The viceregal party (with the exception of His Excellency the Governor) were present last evening at the theatre to witness the performance of " The Amazons." To-day His Excellency, accompanied by Lady Glasgow and suite, will be present ac the Auckland Amateur Athletic Carnival in the Domain, arriving on the ground at three o'clock.

The R.M.s. Massilia has been quarantined at Melbourne on account of smallpox on board. There are some Auckland passengers.

We learn from a private letter, received by the mail, that the news of the deaths of Bishop and Mrs. Hill had made a profound sensation in religious circles in England. Miss Leachman and the two daughters of late Bishop were living at Biscombe, when the sad news was conveyed to them by a kind letter from the Rev. Mr. Wigram, the secretary of the C.M.S. L. The children are bearing up wonderfully, many letters of sympathy had been received from all quarters, some from those who had known and loved the late Bishop and Mrs. Hill when in Auckland. Two clergymen had offered themselves to the C.M.S. to fill up the vacant posts.

Yesterday afternoon a deputation of agriculturalists waited upon Mr. Ritchie, the Secretary of the Agricultural Department, to urge upon him the necessity of retaining Motuihi as a quarantine station. Later on Mr. Ritchie, accompanied by Mr. F. Lawry, M.H.R., Mr. Clifton, Inspector of Stock, and several members of the deputation, visited Remuera and inspected the sheep dip there. Subsequently they inspected a fat beast that Mr. Clifton had condemned. The animal was killed, and a post-mortem, held, the result of which was to amply demonstrate that Mr, Clifton had been justified in the course he had taken.

Yesterday afternoon, at Gleeson's Hotel, an inquest was held before Dr. Philson, coroner, on the body of VVm. Lestrange, a labourer, who was drowned in the harbour the previous day, by falling off the Railway Wharf. Evidence as to tho accident and the attempt to restore animation having been given, a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

At the laafc meeting of the Charitable Aid Board Mr. Gordon gave notice to move at noxt meeting, "That the committee appointed on December 6, 1893, to enquire into and report upon the duties performed by the several officers in the various institutions under the control of the Board, and generally to offer such suggestions as may present themselves for the better and more economical administration of the funds at the disposal of the Board, be respectfully requested to bring up their report in 14 days; and failing such presentation that the 'committee appointed to draw up the annual report do proceed to enquire into the above matters, and embody the results of the enquiry in the annual report; and ako to report upon the best means of obtaining better and more economical premises as offices for the use of the Board."

The people of Auckland have at present the opportunity of witnessing and examining perhaps the oldest viola in any of tha colonies. It is the property of Professor Francik, who, while touring on the Continent of Europe a few years ago, was presented with it when at Prague. It was made in 1568, and is thus over 300 years old. It is nearly twice the size of an ordinary viola, and it was customary to term it in those days a bass viola. It is quite a curiosity in its way, and very seldom indeed is such an instrument met With even in Europe nowadays. Professor Francik has lent it to Mr. Richardson, Queen-street, for exhibition in his window for a few days. It .is expected that Professor Francik will play a solo or two upon it at his concert on the 19fch instant in the Choral Hall.

An illuminated address is to be presented to day to Captain John Richardson, late of H.M. 95b! Regiment and the Indian Army, by members of the Imperial and Colonial forces, as a mark of esteem on his retirement from the Crown Lands Department. The address has been executed by Mr. Gulliver, draughtsman, and is of a very artistic character. It is understood thab Major-General Stoddard will make the presentation.

At a meeting of the Auckland District Baptist Association Committee held on Thursday evening, the following letter was read, hearing testimony from the Rev. A. C. Lawry to the value of tho Home Mission work, in which this society's agent is engaged. Under date, Whangarei, March 3, 1894, Mr. Lawry writes :— "I cannot be sure when your annual meeting, in connection with Mr. Long's work, as missionary to gumdiggers, etc., will be held; bub I should like—if not too late -—to send an altogether impartial and ; unsolicited tribute to Mr. Long's work' and worth. From what I can learn of (Mr. Long's efforts and the influence he is bringing to bear upon the scattered popu* lation of North Mew Zealand, I believe it to be very helpful and blessed. He seems to have won the respect of the people, and the affection of many. His services appear to be conducted with regularity and effectiveness, and he carefully avoids overlapping with the work of other Christian bodies. The Sunday-schools which he is starting are greatly needed, and are almost sure to bo of great benefit to the settlers of the desolate North. If you can make use of this hasty note in the interest of Mr. Long and his work, I shall be very glad. He does not oven know I am writing this." As the funds of the association need replenishing to carry on the mission, 'it was resolved, "That the Rev. A. H. Collins and Mr. S. Matthews, at an early date,, wait on the gum merchants of this city to solicit their aid."

On , Sunday evening ' last, during the hours of divine service, the private residence' of Mr. Henry Hirst, grape grower, 'Mount Roskill, was entered, and a cashbox and gold brooch stolen. The cash-box contained £20, of which amount £11 was in silver, and the remainder in gold and notes. The cash-box also contained valuable deeds, Auckland Gas Company scrip, South British scrip, and other business papers belonging to Mr, Hirst. Mr. and Mrs. Hirst went out to church, leaving all safe, and on returning found their dwelling entered and robbed. The cash-box was stolen from the drawers, and a gold brooch laying on the top of them was also appropriated. The detectives have the affair in hand, but 80 far the offenders are at large.

At the premises of Messrs. L. H. MeAlpine and Co., Fort-street, seed and grain merchants, has been recently erected chaffcutting and grain - crushing machinery. The firm have brought in from Onehunga (where they formerly carried on business) a portion of the above, which has been supplemented by other labour-Bavins improvements of the latest invention. A'l the chaff is screened. There is also an automatic double bagging machine. The machinery is driven by a 5 nominal h. p. or B*s actual horse power Tangye gas engine, Otto principle, Pinkney's patent, supplied and erected by Messrs. John Chambers and Son, Fortstreet, Auckland, as agents for Tangye's (Birmingham).

In these days, when nothing appears to take so well in music as the " wishy-washy" the catchy jingle which just tickles the ear, but has no Listing merit— is pleasureable to come across a composition, by a new composer, which has really inherent merit. And the gratification is all the greater when the composition is the work of a young local musician. Mr. Walter Impett's new waltz,, "Echoes de Nuit," is the piece to which reference is made, and to say that it) does Mr. Impetb credit would be doing him too scant justice. There are waltzes and waltzes. With some it would be impossible for a Kate Vaughan attempting to dance to, and the mere sound of which sets everybody's teeth on edge. There are others that compel one to dar.ce ; they carry the feet along. Such is " Echoa de Nuit." Ib will undoubtedly become a favourite in the ballroom, and everywhere for the matter of that, for after once having heard it bar after bar runs through the head and involuntarily the reminiscence takes shape in vocal sound. The waltz has been printed by Messrs. Wilsons and Horton, at the Herald Works. As a specimen of music printing it is equal to anything turned out anywhere. The Commissioners who selected the Professors for the Auckland University College were : Mr. Gilkes, headmaster of Dulwich College, and Mr. R. K. Douglas, of Kinp'a College,

Mr. George Leitch, whose movements are always interesting to the Auckland public, has been playing a new role in Christchurch and Wellington. In the former city, giving valuable assistance at a hospital fete, organised to raise funds for the erection of a new wing. Tho fSte, an open air one in the hospital grounds, was a great financial success. In Wellington, Mr. Leitch was able to secure the interest; of the ministers 011 behalf of Mrs. Mackinnon, the widow of Mackinnon the explorer, who was lost in the Te Anau Lake. Some articles, written by Mr. Leitch on behalf of the widow and child, elicited considerable sympathy, and there is every probability that the Government may be induced to grant some substantial recognition of Maekinnon'a services, to his widow and child.

The members of the Auckland Polo Club, who are to represent the city at the forthcoming polo tournament for the S&rile Cup, to be held at Wanganui, leave by the Glenelg from Onehungathis morning. The representatives are Messrs. W. R. Bloomfield, Purchas, Colegrove, and E. D. O'Rorke, but only the first-named three will leave by the Glenelg, for Mr. E. D. O'Rorke, not being in Auckland, will joint the team at Wanganui. A practice match was hold at Epsom yesterday afternoon, in which two of the officers of H.M.s. Curacoa took part. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Glasgow, and the Government House party, were among the onlookers. Afternoon tea wag provided, and altogether a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.

The fixtures of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club have for many years past been the most popular athletic events of each recurring year, and the gathering in the Domain this afternoon promises to be fully up to the high standard of its predecessors. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Glasgow, and party, have signified their intention of being present. The ladies of Auckland will doubtless be present in as large numbers as upon previous occasions, and they may rest assured that the club will look after their comfort. Afternoon tea will be provided, and will be ready at half-past three. The racing promises to be unusually brilliant and interesting. Thomas, the ex-champion, has come down from Dargaville to compete with Burton in the walks ; and Bullock, of Wellington ; Holder, of Wanganui, besides four competitors from the Waikato, will make things warm for the Auckland men in the various events. It is needless to mention, when dealing with the meetings of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, that the races will bo got off to time, and that the arrangements will be found most complete and satisfactory.

The Opera House was never more fully packed than it was lasb evening, to witness the second production of " The Amazons," and marked as had been both laughter and applause on Thursday evening, those signs of appreciation wer'3 even more evident. Everything went swimmingly from start to finish, and not a member of the cast but earned fresh laurels. To- night "Niobe" will be re-produced . for the lasb time, and on Monday " Diplomacy " and on Tuesday "Caste" will bo given, this being the closing production of the season. The Government House party was again present yesterday evening.

Amongst the passengers by the Waihora was Mr. A. H. Gee, who will be remembered as the superb baritone of the PalmerBeaumont Company on the occasion of their visit a few months ago. It is Mr. Gee's intention to settle in Auckland, and he purposes reviving the Wednesday Popular Concerts at the City Hall, the first being on the 21st instant. Before leaving Melbourne a "musical afternoon" was tendered him by the Metropolitan Musical Club. Mr. Gee's health was drunk with enthusiasm, and he was also the recipient of a handsome gold locket {.resented to him as a token of esteem by the members of the club.

At the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church last evening, an organ recital and concert was given by the members of the choir and assisting friends. There was a fair attendance, and the visiters were rewarded with a musical treat of a high order of merit. Mr. Towsoy contributed five organ solos in a masterly manner, including Mozart's "Allegro Vivace Jupiter dymphony," Batiste's '*■ Offer in D Major," Auber's " Hear, Holy Power," Raaf's "Largo," "Cavatina," and Handel's "Coronation Anthem." Professor Lambert also played an organ solo, Dye's " Festival- March." Mr. John Fuller, who was in splendid voice, sang two solos, Handel's "Comfort Ye My People" (air, "Every Valley"), and Mendelssohn's "Ye People Rend Your Hearts" (air, "If With All Your Hearts"), and joined in a dueb, Rossini's "Oh Fate, How Tell My Sorrow," with Mr. A. Taylor. Miss Wheeler, Mrs. H. Taylor, and Messrs. Gribbin, A. Taylor, and Beaton contributed their numbers in excellent style. The choir added 'to the success of the evening bv singing three anthems. To-day is the last opportunity of visiting the steam merry-go-round in Karangahape Road, as tbo proprietors are leaving for Sydney. On Tuesday evening next Dr. Kennedy, of London, will lecture in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms on " The Increase of Cancer: Its Causes and Successful Treatment by Count • Mattel's Remedies." A collection will be taken up to coVer expenses, any surplus going to local charities. At> the close the lecturer will briefly address .ladies only. j The, programme of the Thames Regatta will be found in our advertising columns, and consists of ten events of an attractive exhibition. ■; The annual sports of the Auckland branch of the H.A.C.B. Society will be held in the Domain on St. Patrick's Day, 17th instanb. An attractive programme has been prepared for the demonstration, to which kindred societies are invited. , At the Police Courb yesterday before Messrs. H. M. Jervis and J. P. King, J.P. two . first offenders were dismissed . with - a caution for, drunkenness.. ><' -