LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9478, 6 April 1894, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The library which the late Professor P° n has bequeathed to the Auckland University College Is a very valuable one, and if t ® books had to be purchased would rer ® B a sum of from £750 to £1000. It con a ~ a fine collection of English c ' asslC c, 0 L ,,. periods, all the works of Chaucer, a a " pere, Milton, Defoe, Carlyle. ihere i valuable series of . English plays o dramatists, and works of old English po _ • Also a large collection of texts of Ore® Latin writers, all the important write" being included. There are spec' B * tons of the classics, , ningfcon's edition of Virgil, wit • Of works on Anthropology and ear 7 lore there are a goodly number, i ing Max Mailer's' sacred books of tn East. There is a series of German m graphs on the antiquities and _, , Greece and Rome, as well as sever R an on the philology of the Greek ana languages. Dyce's Shakespore i . collection. In the way of dictionaries is The Century (complete), antiquities, and etymological Steps are being taken to »mtably hw and catalogue the library, so ]jf 8 remain a permanent memoria ' f es3or and labours of the gifted youn„ p whose name it bears. During their trip South Sir O'Rorke and Professor Browni ki 0 { Dunedin, and inspected the> work w bich the Technical and Science Classes have been established in that ci J 0 . fessor Brown states that the efficiency ment are sadly hampered, and the eft of the classes sadly restricted, throng lack of suitable buildings and equ He thinks if these classes are» to a «° £ en ti all that is claimed for them, the owment3 must either by subsidy endow jj R8 contribute much more liberally tlinn hitherto been done. • , Professor Brown was yesterday 6 elected to the Board of Gorerc, " °/ hool . Auckland College and Grammar There was no other nomination. In connection with the J^ddress tion, Mr. F. La wry, M.H.R, *»• an d the electors to-day, at Kaukapak 8 ' on Saturday at Helensville, at »• mentioned elsewhere.

authorities are disThe Go ber of the men on the coSets on the Mokau Railway i stlTß cont in the Whangarei disW'orkS' » D e Hikurnngi section. In the trice- on the fchere i 8 still & good deal of forffif d . ,st V; ne At Whanearei the work U^ b V tho line is proceeding slowly, of fin u 6 Kmn Coal Company are getting IfjJJl S view of the early opening of the pet c° al 1

line ' .„ he seen 'J.' »™ obituary column 11 Mr Frederick Dawson, builder, tfiaC f r " , rfWDec ted colonist, has passed " old Abe ST age Of 75. For the past »**>' at r , he has been laid aside through two cars 2 rmifcietf . lie has always taken growing " l at ; n the affairs of St. Mat»n , tlV ° h Deceased is the father of Dr. the "' P of this city, and leaves a grown up gSTwn»«" his loss. oCCUfl mfl court yesterday. A large amount S«P«r n ce wft" taken, but it is not yet ofC i.t*d although there is a prospect that cJ ®!. ( .r« addresses are not too lengthy it i! vbecompeted to night. *» all events ® s " in wilting and witnesses in Tibbutt i" ror ;Jll not be required to attend until sfmnhy morning. Judge Conolly annred that he would to-day formally adTurn the civil sittings of the Court until 31ondny morning. ' It the meeting of the Harbour Board Works and Tariff Committee, held yester--11 there were present: Messrs. Niccol (m 'chair), Holland, Julian, Farrell, Hender--1 and Houghton. The question of the rnrd'- position as to the Northcote Wharf nrcach was considered, Mr. Bruce and ?lr Wilson (engineer) attending on behalf ;fthe Waitemata County Council. The Freeman's Bay reclamation came up for wujsion, in accordance with a resolution ~rried at the recent Board meeting, " That the present system of tilling in Freeman's B»v is unsatisfactory, and the matter be referred to the Works and Tariff Committee to report upon." After fully considering the matter, it was resolved to adjourn the meeting until Monday, the committee to proceed to Freeman's Bay, and after inspection to prepare a report, the contractor and foreman of works to be in attendance.

Two inquest? were held yesterday ab the Hospital, both cases of phosphorous poisoning, by Dr. Philson, coroner. One was on the body of Mrs. Sarah Rowei. The circumstances have been fully narrated in this journal. The jury returned ■& verdict to the enecc that deceased committed suicide while in »state of temporary insanity. An inquest was also held on the body of Wm. O'Beirne, printer, late of Wellington, and a similar verdict was returned in this case .-i'.M. He was recently an employee in the Government Printing Office, and yesterday Mr. W. Jennings, M.L.C., received a telegram from Mr. W. Smith, of the Government Printing Office, requesting him, on behalf of the companionship, to pub a floral cross on the coffin, as a token of the esteem in which he was held by his former fellowworkers. It will be seen by advertisement elsewhere that the members of the H. A.C.B. Society (Auckland Branch) are invited to attend the funeral of the lute Brother Wm. O'Ssirne this afternoon.

Yesterday afternoon an accident happened to Mr. Sheldon, contractor, of Freeman's Bay. He was engaged with his men in an excavation in Manners-street, Newton, when a fall of earth of several tons weight came down from the face of the embankment, and a portion of the block struck Mr. Sheldon and broke his left leg. He was placed upon a stretcher and conveyed to his residence for medical treatment, having refused to be taken to the Hospital. Mr. Sheldon had a narrow escape in the same cutting previous to this accident, the ground being of a very treacherous nature.

The funeral of the late Mr. Robert Garrate took place at Otahuhu yesterday, and the large attendance showed the respect and esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held. The Auckland Club, the Auckland Racing Club, the Amateur Athletic Club, and other bodies with which Mr. Garrett was associated, were largely represented by members, and the country residents were present in large numbers. The hneral service of the Church of England Tjs impressively read by the Rev. F. Could.

There was a large gathering at the Wesleyao Church, Devonport, on Wednesday evening last, when the Rev. J. Ward conducted his farewell service. After the singing of the last hymn, Mr, J. Edson came forward, and presented to Miss C. J. Mason, on behalf of the congregation, a handsome and beautifully-finished davenport, the workmanship of Mr. Varcoe, a member of the congregation. The davenport is made entirely of New Zealand woods, most tastefully arranged. A silver shield attached bears the following inscription :—" Miss C. .T. Mason, nine years organist I 'evonport Wesleyan Church. A memento from members of congregation, April, 1994." Much interest was taken by the congregation in the presentation, which came as a happy surprise to the popular recipient.

Last evening the Rev. William Ronaldson, incumbent of St. Alban's Anglican Church, Mount Roskill, "farewelled" on account of Jis departure for Wellington. The Ven. Archdeacon Dudley presided, and there was a large attendance of the members of the church and congregation. The chairman, in his opening remarks, referred in eulogistic terms, to the many sterling qualities which their departing minister possessed, and wished him on behalf of the congregation "God speed" in his new sphere of duty. Mr. F. G. Ewington, on behalf uf the Sunday-school, said he felt grieved at the departure of one who had manifested so much interest in the religious training of the young in the Sunday-school. He had endeared himself to the whole of the congregation, and had offered his services to the church at a time vhen such services were sorely needed. Though pained at his departure, he felt jure Mr. Konaldson would be as successful in his work in Wellington as he had been in Auckland. The children of the Sundayschool then presented, through Miss Paton, in address to Mr. Ronaldson. expressive of their esteem for him, accompanied by the presentation of a very handsome volume. •Mr. MoKinstrey also presented him with * valuable and appropriate work on behalf of the Church Committee, in a few wellchosen remarks, of a similar tenor to those previously expressed. Mr. Ronaldson, in acknowledging the presentations, expressed "is gratification at his services being so well appreciated, and in bidding them farewell wished them every gift, temporal and spiritual. He addressed a few remarks to the children, and thanked them for thoughtlu'consideration and kindly regard. The proceedings closed by the chairman pronouncing the Benediction.

The first meeting this year of the ManSere Mutual Improvement Class took place on Monday evening the 2nd instant, at the an " ere Hall, in the form of an entertainment, the proceeds of which are to be ' evoted to paying a further instalment on 'If 9 P' ano> The Hall was full, and a considerable amount of money must have reTh ' "i * v ' r ' ')'• Kirkbride presided. • following i« the complete programme : Overture, "Shepherd's Evening Song," 7 6 , Mi-sea H en wood ; song, "On the In'-i Zee," Miss Harrison ; glee, "May's „ ei 2'iti," .Musical Society ; recitation, ... ,I )nt i fabitha," Miss Jessie Speakman ; .1° !". ? et > " Oh, May est Thou Dream of • e i Miss L. Robertson and Mr. J. Scott; >,"• ' Won't You Tell Me Why, Robin?" v r! ; Mayr; reading, "The Trial of Bill Joakes ' (by Mark Twain), Mr. E. Hall; Mr 1 « ! ' 0n "' "doming Through the Dye," «;« .■ arr '" on ' ' 10 in response to an enthui,, 10 en core gave " Golden Kippers, 0 !" pi. er a short interval the Mangere Or»ni! r1 ren dered " Love's Dreamland " Her 2 ' s p n " 1 "Woman's Resolution," Miss iwood ; recitation (comic), " Jimmy Zl ei ;,£ n(I the Owl," Mr. Hathaway; laos/\t v Smiths," Mr. John YValfid.nl- l "s ere ) ; voc;a ' duet, " Strictly ConBflnr» urn. rs " " ft y l- a "d Miss Heron ; Mr vi ~® Arab's Farewell to His Steed," "Kim c i P' ne » who gave as an encore Mi u y Lee;' recitation, "The Lifeboat," RoUrf °" ; song, "After the Ball," Miss Bit " ,: on Colnic " All Doing a Little "To In v Speakman, encored ; glee, 'he i»»t- , ' S| " Musical Society. On thank* ,' 0n 0 .'^ r> 0. Taylor, a vote of *ho h a^\ ? c ; u ' lie;i . b y acclamation to those Mr. i o "idly ass 'ted in the programme, next „ * ott .^~. e notice to move at the each ale ' f, l '" 8 Association meet Hall *1 6 Monday in the Mangere *asth«n i P a ? b seven m " The room for tevera? l are ' an( * dancing indulged in w Teral hours.—[Own Correspondent.] ,

The anniversary services of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday next, when the 1 Rev.' A. Carrick will preach in the morning, the Rev. J as. Hill of North Shore, and Mr. Hemery, give addresses to the children in the afternoon, and in the evening the Rev. Geo. Burgess, F.R.A.S.J will preach. The collections at the morning and' evening services will be for the Assembly's Church Extension scheme. f 1

The annual meeting of the Pitt-street Wesley an Literary Society was held yesterday evening, in the school-room, adjoining the church. The kev. S. F. Prior was in the chair, and there was a large attendance. The usual votes of thanks having been given to the retiring officers, the following were appointed officers for the ensuing year : — President, Rev. S. F. Prior ; vice-presidents, Messrs. Roeser and Ambury; secretary, Mr. H. S. Wilding , treasurer, Mr. Bryce; editor, Mr. A. Martin ; committee, Misses Reynolds and Nixon, and Messrs. Mackie, Preston, and Prosser.

We would again remind our readers of the grand benefit farewell entertainment to be given by a company of officers and men from H.M. s. Curasoa, in the City Hall, this evening, in aid of the Orphan Home and purchase of a boat for inmates of the Blind Institute. The objects in view will commend themselves to the public, and we hope to see a large attendance to reward the charitable efforts of the gallant blue jackets. A very varied and attractive programme has been prepared for the occasion.

At the Opera House last evening the Gaiety Pantomime Company gave a complete change of programme, and that of a most entertaining description. The curtain rose on the farcical comedy, "The Wrong Man," after which Mods. Provo gave his special entertainment, "Shadowgraphs." Thenceforward the programme was full of variety, in which Tudor and Friedman gave "The Recruits," and "Just Over"; Miss Prisoilla Verne, "After the Ball," which brought down the house; the Misses Lempriere and Ponsonby, " Simple Maidens"; Miss Florrie St. Clair, "What Will You Lend On My Dolly" ; the Connor Brothers displayed some extraordinary acrobatism; Mr. T. C. Callaghan gave sketches from his repertoire ; Mr. J. S. Parlatto, who is exceedingly good as a Tyrolean, was an excellent " Deitcher," and Miss Bertha Faning gave " The Vision." The performance concluded with the very laughable absurdity, " Two in the Morning." On Saturday there will be a matinee, when "Cinder-Ellen" will be given with transformation and harlequinade.

The annual general meeting of St. Alban's Literary Society took place last evening in the schoolroom, Mount Roskill Road. Mr. F. G. Ewington presided. There was a good attendance, and a number of new members were proposed. The report and balance-sheet read by Mr. W. Hill (hon. sec.) was adopted nem. con. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : —President: Mr. F. G. Ewington (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mr. Bayley and Mrs. McKinstrey; secretary, Mr. Wm. Hill (re-elected); editor, Mr. E. Nordcin ; auditor, Mr. A. F. Burton ; committee, Messrs. Nordon, Boak, Martinson, and Harvie; delegates to Literary Societies' Union, Messrs. Nordon and Hill; representatives in Union Parliament, Messrs. Burton, Nordon, Martinson, H. Gilbert, and Mrs. McKinstrey.

The Rev. John McNeil's mission was continued yesterday. In the afternoon he gave an address in St. James's Hall, on " He that winneth souls is wise." At the evening service in the same building there was a large attendance. Mr. McNeil delivered a powerful address on the passage, " The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." These services are growing in interest. To-day Mr. McNeil will speak at three o'clock p.m. on "The Deepening of Spiritual Life," and in the evening will conduct the usual mission service in the hall.

Hhe success of the " Madame Favart' sea ß on, which opens at the Opera House on Tuesday evening next, now seems to be fully assured. The booking for the first five nights is already very heavy, and sales of tickets generally are reported to be exceptionally large. The Amateur Opera Club had a splendid rehearsal at the Choral Hall last night, amongst the spectators being' several of the officers of H.M.s. Curagoa, who unfortunately will not be in port during the performance; also Captain Clayton, A.D.C. to His Excellency the Governor, and Mr. George Leitch, of " Librarian " fame. One and all expressed themselves highly pleased with the performance. Everything went off with great spirit, and left little doubt as to the popularity of the opera. A full dress rehearsal will be held at the Choral Hall on Saturday, and . a final dress rehearsal at the Opera House on Monday night, so that the opera will probably be staged with completeness from the outset. The full cast of characters is published in our advertising columns.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Caledonian Society, held in the Foresters' Hall last night, was up to the highest standard of these enjoyable and interesting gatherings. There was a large and appreciative audience, Mr. D. Robertson presiding. The programme was of a high order both as regards the number and variety of the items, and tho successful manner in which the performers acquitted themselves. Miss Sakey opened with the pianoforte solo, " Massa's in the Cold, Cold, Ground," after which Mr. C. Peace sang "Mona," and Miss Davis "Love's Old Sweet Song," with decided success; while- Mrs. Anderson recited "Tam McNab and Jamie Pringle" in a very pleasing style. Mr. Tait then gave a song, and Miss N. Kirk by rendered "In Old Madrid," in a way which thoroughly satisfied her hearers. The double Highland Fling was ably executed by Master and Miss Johnston ; after which followed a song, "The Romany Lass," by Mr. Hescott; a pianoforte solo, by Mrs. Kirkby; and a song, " Marv of Argyle," by Mr. J. Ewan. Each of these efforts were heartily applauded. Mr. John Henry danced the Sheantreause very neatly, and Miss C. Kirkby received a well-earned encore for her singing of " The Soldier." The Sailor's Hornpipe, danced by Mr. C. Newman, was a popular item; and the song, "My Life for Thee and Miss A. Rugo's recitation of " Where Do You l.ive," went off well; as did also the singing of, " When the Kye Come Hame," by Mrs. J. D. Murray, which was encored. The concert terminated with " Auld Lang Syne." Mr. Fotheringham played the bagpipes, and Mrs. Kirkby acted as accompanist very acceptably. Mr. Murray, first chieftain of the New South ales Caledonian Society, gave a short address. The rest of the evening was taken up with the usual dance, Mr. George Johnston acting as Master of Ceremonies.