LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9497, 28 April 1894, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

His Excellency the Governor and suite will be present at the races at Ellerslia to-day, held for the benefit of the Garrett Fund. The Hon. W. P. Reeves (Minister of Education) arrived yesterday by the a.s. Clansman from Russell. Since his departure from Auckland Air. Reeves has been incessantly on the move, inspecting native schools, and has knocked up two or threo horses in his travels. The farthest point North he reached was Wbancape. This morning at half-past nine Mr. Reeves will be at the Minister's room, Government buildings, Customs-street West, in order to transact public business, and receive deputations. He has arranged to visit the Blind Institute, and the Parnell Orphan Home, and Mrs. Cowie's Home during next week, probably Wednesday. It was stated in town yesterday that a large number of settlers from Manure, Onehunga, and intervening districts were desirous of hearing the Hon. W. P. Reeves' political address on. Tuesday next, but were afraid the ordinary train leaving the Auckland station at 10 pin. would leave before the meeting ended. Messrs. Lawry and Massey, M.B.R.'s represented the matter to Mr. Hudson, district manager, who courteously acceded to their request, and promised to advertise in the daily papers that the train would be delayed on the occasion referred to urfcil half-past tea o'clock. A notification by the Railway Department to that effect appears elsewhere. Mr. Biss, Chief Postmaster, has resumed duty, after a month's holiday. A special meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday, for the purpose of receiving the report of the sub-committee appointed to arrange the information that should be sent for publication in the next New Zealand Year Book. There were present: Messrs. Sorter (chairman), Holland (the Mayor), Parrell, Witbeford, Henderson, Devore, and JNapier. The report as pre' pared was considered at length, and after being amended in several minor particulars, was adopted. Now that a growing demand exists for food products such as meat, fruit, fisa, butter and cheese, etc., in the English and Continental markets it is very important to both producers and shippers that the best and most economical refrigerating machines should bo used. For some time after freezing perishable articles was introduced, the cold air machine by which the cold is produced by compression, was in use, but their great cost, the enormous power required to drive them, and their production of snow in the trunks, on the carcases and packages were found to be very serious disadvantages. As competition in food products increased prices fell, and it became most important that a less costly, a simpler, and a more economically-worked refrigerating machine should be used. That urgent want has been supplied by " the Linda Dry-air Refrigerator." Tins admirable machine is made of all sizes to suit every demand from frozen meat works on shore, with a capacity up to freezing 1000 sheep per day, frozen meat steamers carrjio 70,000 sheep in one cargo, down to dairy factories, breweries, and butchers shops. It has been proved to save its cost in Jo* than two years, as compared with com pressed air machines. The absence of »no« in preparing and transmitting all food pro ducts is of the utmost advantage, in *» these-bub in butter especially,. wj duces more or less of fuiigue ;wd. taj whilst in the dry-air L.ntfe machine »■ great detriment is entirely avoided.

Naval Artillery held their l i J, drill last evening, and there was a ft/tendance of 55 all told. Captain Little ■3 Sonant Clemens being in corn- ■° d a The drill was an ordinary one ""ffi instructors from the Forts.' The »f[ eun detachment had theoretical Knc • the 7i»ch gun detachment vrere W *«d at knotting and splicing, and Comedo men were put through a V« of instruction in submarine mining. 52" manner in which this company is The - n T aD for drill is very creditable, W Miere is an evident desire on the part the members to attain proficiency. ° nnriDff yesterday afternoon dense smoke Km! flames were observed at the North toe apparently at the back of Devonf and there was an idea in town that SJ fire was likely to prove disastrous to tb L of the buildings to the vicinity. Forf n.telv however, the fire proved to be tU 2' a heavy growth of gorge in the « „ot portion of the district, opposite h a ere"fden P coof Mr. B. Bartley, but it did „ 0 damage. Nominations for the three vacancies were m have been received by Mr. S. Brooking Mterday for vacancies in the Mount Albert Hoad Board, but at the time apniinted only one nomination was lodged, F raelv that of Mr. Edwin Barker, and he «»7declared elected. There was a second nomination lodged, namely that of Mr Arthur Sharp, but as his name did not noe-ir on the ratepayers roll, the return- • ,r officer declined to receive it. It will, therefore be necessary to call for fresh nomination of candidates for the two remaining vacancies. Our Morrinsville correspondent writes :— The marriage of Mr. W. Main, the popular manager of the Lockerbie Estate, has called some some interest in this neighbourhood. A? showing the appreciation bv his employees, they have presented Mr. Main with a valuable marble clock, with Silver inscription, in commemoration of the interesting occasion. Amongst other nresents was & handsome overmantel from Messrs- Clifford Brothers. On the evening of the marriage Mr. Main gave a dinner to the employees of the estate and residents in Morrinsville, the arrangements of which were ably carried out by Mrs. Gordon. After dinner the usual toasts were proposed, that of the bride by Mr. Turnbull, and the bridegroom's by Mr. Marshall, and the atter part of the evening was devoted to dancing, which was kept up to an early iour the next morning.

The pretty suburban farming district of Papatoetoe had quite a flutter of excitement on Wednesday last, when Miss Lizzie Wyllie, daughter of Mr. Thomas Wyllie, one of the oldest and most respected settlers, was married to Mr. Alex. Muir, jun., son of Mr. Alexander Muir, of Waiuku. The ceremony was performed in the Presbyterian Church, Otara, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. The decoration was the work of the young ladies belonging to the church, with whom Miss Wyllie has been so long associated in choir, school, etc., and was a very pretty testimony to the bride's loveableness. The Rev. D. J. Steele, pastor of the Church, performed the ceremouy in a very impressive manner, and the happy pair left the church to the strains of the " Wedding March," down an aisle strewn with flowers, and themselves almost smothered ia showers of petals. The bride looked even lovelier than usual, in an ivory white cashmere, trimmed with lace, with crange blossom wreath and tulle veil, and carried a bouquet, a real work of art. The bridesmaids were Miss Muir and Miss Jane Wyllie. One was dressed in cream crepon, trimmed with lace, with hat to match ; the other, white nun's veiling, worked with silk, and hat to match Messrs. John Muir and Alexander Wyllie were the groomsmen. After the ceremony friends anil relations numbering about seOtnv, adjourned to Mr. Wyllie's house, Bill Farm, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast was provided. The health of the yoang couple was duly honoured, and one of the merriest meetings seen in the district was prolonged for some hours. ' During the afternoon the happy couple left amid showers of rice, flowers, and hearty good wishes, for a trip to Te Aroha and the Hot Lake country.

An idea seems to be entertained by some persons that the new cases provided for the Mackelvie Art Gallery were imported. We are happy to be able to contradict this, a3 the design and workmanship are both local. To Mr. C. Arnold belongs the credit of the design, while the work was carried out at the factory of the Direct Supply Co., and the result is in our opinion equally creditable to each. Some time ago we drew attention to the face that Mr. J. M. Salmon had started the maiiuiacture of limejuice at Rarotonga. We have received a sample of Mr. Salmon's produce, and as there can be no doubt of its genuine character — being made from the juice of fruit instead of from mineral acids, it should command a ready sale. On the recent visit of Lord Glasgow to Karotonga, he and his party visited Mr. Salmon's establishment and expressed pleasure it what was seen. An elderly man named William Gibson was charged at the Police Court morning, before Messrs. John Gordon and P. E. Cheal, J.P.'s, with having been drunk, and also with the larceny of the sum of 3s belonging to Ann Zieeler, licensee of the Fit/roy Hotel. The prisoner pleaded guilty to having been drunk, but denied having taken the money. Sergeant Gamble conducted the prosecution. Mrs. Ziegler deposed that the man, with two others, came to her hotel yesterday. One of them sold her two sticks of tobacco for 3s. She placed the money on the counter when the prisoner took up both the money and the tobacco and left the place. The accused said that he was in the bar from 7 o'clock in the morningr, and had paid for all hi*3 drinks. When Mrs. Ziegler refused to give him drink he took up the money, and said that he would get it elsewhere. After bearing further evidence in thejafternoon, the Bench said that there had apparently been no intention on the part of the defendant to steal I he money, and they would therefore discharge him upon refunding the fe. In consequence of the enormous success of the "Elijah" concert on Tuesday last, the committee of the Choral Society have decided to give the public an opportunity of heering this magnificent oratorio on Tuesday week, May the Bth, at moderate charges. The box plan will be open at Wiliiuian and Lvell's on Monday morning, and those who have not heard this work as given by the Society, with the assistance of such an eminent soloist as Mr. A. H. Gee, would do well not to miss the opportunity. from an advertisement elsewhere, it will be seen that the performing members are requested to meet for another rehearsal on Tuesday evening. Messrs. Evan Bond, Timothy Foley, Ernest A. Frost, Charles Jeff, Michael Lesinan, an i Francis Poynton having on the 26th inst. been nominated for the three vacancies in the Pukeatua Road Board, the returning officer, Mr. Seaman, announced that a poll will be taken at the Dairy Flat Schoolroom on Friday next, May 4. Yesterday forenoon the police authorities received information that a number of persona were wending their way to the Domain where a fight between two men had wen arranged. Sergeants Gamble and Clarke and Constables McClellan and Howell got into a cab and set off for Stanley-street, Domain. Seeing a number of men about they left the cab and entered the Domain and made investigations. The men they questioned denied there had been an >' fighting, but, beating the bush, the officers went through the Domain, and as a result of their inquiries it is probable two raen will be proceeded against. It is alleged six rounds were fought, lasting 20 minutes, and both men got marked, while one had to give up the contest. A Maori chief who came to town yesterday, from one of the country settlements, Rot the worse for liquor, and instead of getting back home by the afternoon VViikabo train, wa " accommodated with lodgings at the police station. There was a good muster of children at onsonby Wesleyan schoolroom last eventh"' nd excellc " c progress was made with J*e Band of Hope gathering programme. ■me next practice will be hold on Monday l ° Alexandra-street schoolroom. We understand that Professor Carl Mass, composed for Her Majesty Queen of Italy, will first be performed "St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland, -ioro its performance at Sb. IgnatiUß Church, Melbourne. ■ "

: At the Police Court yesterday, before Messrs. J. Gordon and P. Cheal, J.P.'s, a man named ' William McDonald was charged with hairing on the' 13th March obtained, by false pretences, from Thomas Kelly one flannel and other articles, of, a total value of £1 16s 6d, with intent to cheat and defraud. Mr. G. N. Brassey appeared for the informant, and asked leave to have the charge withdrawn, as the witnesses were so far away that it was almost impossible to get at them. Sergeant Gamble Baid the matter had arisen through a dispute between the prosecutor and the accused. An arrangement had been made between theni whereby the accused was to dig gum on land belonging to the prosecutor and also purchase goods from him. The accused obtained certain articles from the prosecutor and then left the district without digging any gum. The prosecutor communicated with tha -police, and in defiance of their suggestion that it was purely and simply a oivil debt between the two, issued this information and obtained a warrant. The police had been put to considerable trouble over the matter and the country to needless expense. It appeared that since the warrant had been issued the accused and the prosecutor had been seen together in Queen-street. It was nothing more than an attempt to use the criminal law to settle a civil matter. Mr. Brassey said he did not see what could be gained by discussing the matter. The prosecution simply asked leave to withdraw the case. Sergeant Gamble said the country had no right to be put to any expense in the matter. He was willing for the case to be withdrawn if all expenses were paid by the prosecutor. The man had now been in gaol for a month at the cost of the country. Mr. Brassey said the prosecutor would not go on with the case, and the Court could not make an order in an indictable case. The Bench dismissed the case.

Yesterday Pastor Blaikie, of the Auckland Tabernacle, went to his usual place for holding open-air services in front of the City Hall, Victoria-street West. A barrelorgan man (with monkey) who had a permit from the City Council to play in the streets, had also fallen upon the same spot in which to pursue his avocation. When the evangelistic service began, the blending of sacred and secular music was so irresistibly comic that a crowd of several hundred people soon assembled. Tho'young lady who played the harmonium for Pastor Blaikie had no chance against the barrel crgan, aided by the meretricious attraction of the red petticoated, cock-hatted monkey, bub was encouraged to persevere by the choir singing, " Hold the Fort." At this stage, Constable East gate put in an appearance, and finding both parties had permits, he adopted a policy of "masterly inactivity," and, retiring, left the solution of the difficulty to the " survival of the fittest." The crowd began to take sidesone section being for the pastor, and the other for the barrel-organ man, and more particularly the monkey, so that there seemed a probability of a serious street quarrel. Constable Howell, who was unaware that Constable Eastgate had been about, came on the scene, and, witnessing conduct which he thought likely to create a breach of the peace in a public thoroughfare, interposed. He requested the barrel organ man to move on, which, after some parley, he did. Some of the tradesmen in the vicinity complain that these street services in the middle of the day, interfere with business. They state that they respect Pastor Blaikie's motives and religious zeal, bat thao he should hold his open-air services on the opposite side of the street, or in Victoria-street East, where he first commenced them, so as not to interfere with tradesmen making a living, and who find it hard work to make both ends meet, and pay rent and taxes. The season for pheasant shooting will open on Tuesday next. From a notice in another part of this issue it will be seen that licenses can now be obtained at the Chief Post Office, Auckland, and any country post office which is also a money order office, on payment of the usual fee of £1. Attention is also drawn to the fact that persons shooting without license, except on their own property, are liable to a fine not exceeding £20. We understand that the Acclimatisation Society have appointed a number of travelling rangers, whose duty will be enforce the penalties allowed by the Animals Protection Act.

Our Huntley correspondent writes :-~The Government, who voted £200 towards cost of erection and placing a punt on the river at Huntly, have been unable to sanction its expenditure by the Raglan County Council owing to the opposition of the Waikato Council. This necessitated the appointment of a commission to examine into the finances of the two Councils and any other probable contributory bodies and then apportion the costs of maintenance of the punt; but before doing so the Government asked for a guarantee of the expenses of such commission. This the Raglan Council At) once agreed to do, and all that remains now is for the Government to appoint the members of the commission. Ratepayers are anxiously awaiting a notice of their appointment, which is being needlessly delayed without any ascertainable reason. Daily inquiries are being made by settlers on the other side as to when this business and the punt will be completed. What may happen to a country settler is exemplified in the case of Mr. William McLaughlin, of Puhi Nui. Owing to being greatly troubled by people from all parts shooting and coursing over his property, he has been obliged, as will be seen by advertisement elsewhere, to stop all shooting for the future. A bullock and a horse were shot dead, some cattle injured, and his turkeys and peafowls stolen.

The concert to be held in the City Hall on Friday evening next, the 4th May, in aid of the benevoleat fund of the Auckland and Ponsonby lodges of Druids, bids fair to be one of the events of the season. As will be seen by advertisement, the programme is of a first-class order, comprising many of Auckland's favourite artistes—vocal, _ instrumental, and elocutionary. A brilliant torchlightprocession has also been arranged, to proceed from St. George's Hall, Ponsonby, to the City Hall. The ancient philosophers will arise from amongst their altars of stone, and having adorned themselves with the mystic oak leaves, will march in solemn grandeur to the scene of festivities. Tableaux representing Stone henge (the homo of the Druids), Justice, : Benevolence (the cardinal principles of the order) will have places in the procession. Vikings, pages, and other figures of interest, will be there, and the members of all the Auckland Fire Brigades have kindly consented to assist. At the conclusion of the concert a grand Druidic display will be enacted, including the eong and chorus of the fraternity. The whole will be under the patronage of the City Council, Auckland Volunteers, and Fire Brigade*. The full programme of Mr. John Fuller's farewell concert at the City Hall next Monday appears in our advertising columns. Mr. Archdale Tayler will sing his great song from "The Sorcerer," "My Name is John Wellington Wells." Mr. Fuller will take part in the " Miserere" duet with, Miss Miss Warren, and "Love and War" with Mr. Alex. S. Reid, besides singing the favourite song* he has made so popular during hia stay in this city. A bumper house should greet the popular tenor. We understand that arrangements are in progress for holding a children's flower show, and that a meeting is to be held at the Grammar School early next week for the purpose of giving information to parents and supervisors on horticultural matters. In view of the prospect of the Head collection of paintings being possibly removed from the Art Gallery, it is to be hoped that other public-spirited citizens will follow the example of Messrs. L. J). Nathan and Alfred N. Nathan, in donating ; good works of art to the Gallery. It is j impossible to appraise the educational value lof the Art Gallery and the Mackelvie I annexe sinoe they have been opened to the public. Mrs. Bishop (Miss Isabella Bird), the moat distinguished and successful of English lady travellers, is shortly about to start for a prolonged trip to Korea and Home portions of Japan and Eastern China. Bernard's Circus was well attended last evening, and the various items of the programme were cleverly gone through.