LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9694, 14 December 1894, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The civil sittings of the Supreme Courb were resumed ab half-past nine o'clock yesterday, when an undefended case, Mrs. Norton v. John B. Teasdale, of Te Awamutu, for possession of land and tenements, also for rent, damages, and injunction, was taken. Mr. Baume appeared for the plaintiff, in whose favour judgment was given. Ab ten o'clock the hearing of the case Mueller v. Darrow, to recover value of tim-

ber taken from Crown lands, was resumed before the special jury empanelled on the previous day. It again occupied the whole day, and ab the close the jury brought in a verdict for the plaintiff (the Crown) for £1000, and judgment was given for that amount, witli costs on the highest) scale. The Court then adjourned until half pasb nine o'clock this morning, when the case Seegner and Langguth v. Edward Marks, for £60 5s 3d damages, will be taken, lb is undefended. At ten o'clock, unless previously arranged out of Court, the caso of the Commissioner of Crown Lands v. the Kauri Timber Company, to recover £1350, value of timber alleged to have been removed from Crown lands, will be called, and tried by a special jury. The well-known Tanewha clip frcm the Wairangi estate, managed by'Alex. Mcßae has again maintained its reputation by coming to the top at the local sales. The clip was submitted at Wednesday's auction by Mr. Johnstou, on behalf of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited). The first crossbred was passed in at 7Jd, the highest price bid during the day, and by private treaty since 7jd has been obtained for the best portion, the balance being cleared ab o'r'ners' reserves— 7£d, 7id, 7d, and 6|d.

The Union S.S. Company, desirous of making some recognition of the kindness of the settlers of the Great Barrier to the

survivors of their wrecked steamer Wairarapa, forwarded by the Northern Company's steamer Argyle last Tuesday a number of presents, Captain A. F. Johnson, of the Argyle, undertaking the presentation on their behalf, the following being the recipients and the articles presented :— Mr. Mocre, aen., chair and parcel of books ; Mr. W, Moore, watch; Mr. D. J. Moore, marine glasses; Mr. Paddieon, teapot, sugar basin, and books ; Mr. A. Edliugton, two chairs ; Mr. E, Edlington, watch ; Mr. H. Bates, Gladstone bag; Mr. Darnton, clock and marine glasses; Mr. Flinn, teaj pot; Mr. Leßoy,, marine glasses and books; Mr. Stark, chair; Mr. Warren, books ; Mr. Cooper, books.

A meeting of the Works and Tariff Committee of the Auckland Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon, there being present : Messrs. A. H. Nathan (chairman), M. Niccol, T. Henderson, C. V. Houghton, J. J. Holland, and R. Farrell. A letter from Messrs. Ehrenfried Bros, re storage charges was considered, and it was resolved, " That Messrs. Ehrenfried Bros, be informed that their request cannot be granted, as H.M. Customs are the proper authorities from whom to seek redress." The application of Mr. C. C. Dacre for an extension of the time for closing sheds was deferred pending communicating with the Collector of Customs on the matter. The consideration of the harbourmaster's report re berthing of the mail steamer Arawa, the report of the foreman of works as to deepwater berthage, and the whole question of deep-water berthage at the end of Queenstreet Wharf was deferred pending the report of the foreman of works.

The local manager of the South British Insurance Company, Mr. Alex. Russell, returned yesterday to Auckland, after a five months' trip to Scotland. He returned by the direct steamer Kaikoura to Wellington. It will be remembered that Mr. Russell went hosie to get the advice of some of the British specialists with regard to his eyesight, which was be coming impaired. The result has been very satisfactory, and he returns better in health, and in every way.. Mr. Russell placed himself in the care of Dr. Cluckie, of the Eye Infirmary, Greenock, who is making a name for himself as an oculist, and is a nephew of Mr. McCorquodole, of the Roller Mills, of this city. While undergoing treatment he spent part of the time with Mr. Watson, father-in-law of Dr. Moir, of Auckland, so that he was among friends, and those who took an interest in Auckland and its settlers. During his stay in Scotland he met several old Aucklanders, who still retained a fond affection for the old province, and were never weary of sounding its praises to all and sundry.

We have to hand the Australian! Review of Reviews for November 20. It contains tome interesting notes in the section "The Progress of the Colonies." The Premier of New South Wales (Mr. G. H. Reid) contributes in the section " The Drift in Australasian Politics," an able article on "Australasia and the Imperial Government." After sketching the Imperial policy towards the colonies, he goes on to refer to Australian freedom aa unprecedented in the history of the relations between Imperial Governments and their colonies, and the granting of which has certainly produced the happiest results. He makes some just remarks on the functions of colonial Governors, and then goes on to the question of colonial and Imperial federation. His own impression is that it will strengthen the tie between the dependencies and the Empire on the ground that the fewer parties there are in such affairs the better. "There is one thing," he says, " which federal union must not be expected to do. It must not be expected to ripen the prospects of what is called Imperial federation. To my mind it is beyond human genius to frame a compact for Imperial federation which would be generally acceptable. Imperial federation in the sense in which there is a German or American, or a Canadian federation, is, in my opinion, an idle dream." In this view he differs from Sir George Grey. Mr. Wragge continues his contributions on " How I Make my Weather Forecasts." He says, "I think I have justly established the right of our Bureau to the position it occupies. What Washington has done for meteorological investigation in the Northern Hemisphere, Brisbane shall do, and is doing for the Southern, and has eveh crossed the line." Under "Australasian Topics" is given part of an article on " Women in the Colonies" by Mr. Gilbert Parker, and which is an eloquent championship of the colonial woman as against the line lady of London drawing-rooms. The notices of " Current Australasian Literature and Literary Notes" are interesting and instructive.

"A Summer Resident" ab Norbhcote writes:—ln visiting the different cities of New Zealand I must say that Auckland takes first place as regards climate and icenery. During the many years that I have yisited your city, until lately I have never been to the top of Mount Eden, where by Far the grandest view of the city is to be abtained, i nd whilst admiring the scenery from the mountain I met a lady and gentleman from Sydney who seemed to be quite enraptured with the beauties of our bay and city, and mentioned to me in the course of conversation that it was quite equal to anything they had seen in New South Wales. So much for Auckland city, but the suburbs go along way to add to the beauty of the view ifrom the mountain. I am passing the summer months at Northcote, which I consider is the Brighton or Isle of Wight of Auckland. This fact is patent to Aucklanders, from the crowds who visit here weekly. New houses are going up in all directions, from Northcote all the way to Birkenhead, and are taken up as fast as they are finished. In short it is a little place flowing with milk and honey, and is the strawberry garden of Mew Zealand. It is truly a glorious place as a health resort for those who are engaged in the bustle of business during the day, and the numbers who come hero during the season prove my sentiments to be correct, and also the great number who are engaged in business in the city, bub reside hero. The strawberry gardens are fitted up with all binds of conveniences for visitors, lawn tennis grounds splendidly laid out, and also cricket grounds, for those who wish to engage in that good old English game ; in fact, there is no lack of outdoor amusement. We want some enterprising firm to ruu a coach during the season from Northcote to puna. This will come, no doubt, in duo course. Board and residence, including boat fare, can be had cheaper here than in Auckland, and our storekeeper (Mr. Jones) supplies goods for cash, and delivers the same, at lower rates than the city prices. There will be an abundance of frnib, bub the season willl be a late one f on account of the dry weather.

[ The ordinary meeting of the Newmarket Borough Council was held last evening, when there were present His Worship the Mayor (Mr. F. G. Clayton), and Messrs. Laxon, Whyman, Spooner, Angus, Page, and Edgerly. A letter was read from the Colonial Secrebary asking for a statement as to the cost of the recent licensing election as compared with the previous year. The Registrar-General also wrote asking for a return of inhabited houses in the borough, in order to fill up statistics. It was resolved to furnish the information asked fon Mr. H. Adye wrote drawing the attention of the Council to the unsatisfactory state of an open drain in Carlton Gore Koad, there being pools of stagnant water in it. Dr. King reported on the same matter. The letter was referred to' the Streets Committee with power to act. The Newmarket Bowling Club wrote asking to have the water laid on, and stating that it would bo used only for flix months of the year. The application was granted, the cost to be 30s per year. It was decided to put a crossing in front of Mr. Morgan's property, Hill-street, provided that the pipes were supplied by xMr. Morgan. The next meeting of the Council will be held on January 10th.

The funeral of the late Mr. Thomas E. Walton took place yesterday forenoon, at Waikomiti Cemetery. Notwithstanding the inconvenient hour, there was a goodly number present, including Mr. Percival, secretary of the Auckland Racing Club, and other sporting friends, deceased having been a clerk in the office of the Auckland Racing Club. The three sons were the chief mourners. Mr. Walton had had a most adventurous career, having been first in the navy and then in the London Police Force. For thirty years he had been warrant officer at one of the London Police Courts, and enjoyed a pension from the Government of £80 per annum.

An inquest was held on Tuesday, at Taupaki, on the body of Donald McKonzie, who was found dead on Saturday last. The inquiry was held by Mr. Sinclair, coroner for the district. A verdict of " Death from heart disease " whs returned. It appeared that deceased, who was 75, followed his occupation, though he had means sufficient to do without work, preferring to die in harness.

Our Matakohe correspondent states that on the 7th December an inquest was held ab the chapel on the body of William Curtiss, gumdigger, aged 56 years, who died in his whare at Parerau on the sth. Mr. W. W. Ariell was coroner, and a jury of six, of which Mr. S. B. F. Cooksey was foreman. Messrs. T. White and T. Cook pave evidence, and Mr. G. LeNoel, of Hubatere, found deceased in his whare on Saturday, December 1, sick and unable to do anything for himself. He made arrangements with someof the diggers on the field to attend to Curtiss on the following day, and on Monday sent word to the County Chairman of the helpless condition ot the deceased. The County Chairman replied that the man must produce evidence of destitution and inability to look after himself. On Tuesday morning Constable Scott was telegraphed for, but no reply vouchsafed. On the following day Curtiss died in convulsions. Dr. Mountaine, on viewing the remains, gave it as his opinion that deceased died from natural causes. The jury then brought in a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and added a rider censuring the County Chairman for neglect in not tendering aid when first notified of the condition of the deceased, and also that the police did not do their duty—failing to put in an appearance although telegrwphed for three days prior to the death of Curtis?. The deceased has, for about 18 months back, been working on one of Mr. W. H. Jaokman's fields, and was subject to epileptic fits. He arrived in Matakohe six weeks ago, and got a start from Mr. Fielder, who has durine the time he (Curtiss) has been here supplied goods to the value of £4 5s lOd, and has received in return, in part payment, gum to the value of £1 2s Bd. Curtis was known to be a sober man.

On Wednesday afternoon a young man named Arthur Watts was driving a spring cart along Symonds-street, when the vehicle and another one came into collision accidentally, the result being that Watts was thrown out of his trap. On being picked up Watts was found to have had one of his legs broken. He was removed to the Hospital, where he is progressing favourably. The horse bolted, but was soon caught, and the trap sustained but little damage. The second of the series of moonlight concerts on the waters of the harbour takes place this evening, and promises to be a great success. A number of well-known artistes will take part in the concert, as will be seen from the programme which appears in our advertisement columns. The manager, Mr. F. Hill, informs us that nothing will be left undone to promote the comfort and enjoyment of patrons. The commodious and well - lighted steamer Eagle has been engaged, and has been provided with ample seating accommodation. A percentage of the takings will be given to the Hospital.

The annual soiree and public meeting to celebrate the anniversary of the Parnell Wesleyan Church was held last evening. There was a good attendance. Tea was served in the Sunday-school, the rear portion of the church, and the tables were

presided over by Mesdames Buchanan, Scofield, Keetley, Youd, Marriott, Lee, and Miss Singer. The public meeting was held in the Church. The proceedings were opened by the Rev. S. Lawry, who apologised for the absence of tho Rev. Mr. McISicoll, Superintendent of the Circuit, who was unavoidably absent at a meeting in connection with the District Synod at Pittstreet. After devotional exercises, Mr. R. W. Waterhouse was called to the chair, and he gave an address on the work of the Church, soliciting the help of the congregation. He reminded them that an openair service had been started, also an Endeavour Class, in which there were now 20 members, and he believed by its means they would be able to train the young people for the work they would be called upon to perform in the future. He also spoke of the weekly class-meeting, and the Sunday-school work, inviting assistance for the teachers, three more teachers being required at present to fill vacancies. There was no formal report submitted. The balance sheet showed thafc the income for the year was £105 4s, of which the chief item was £62 4s 6d, Sunday collections, and with class money £12, and other items, the total was made up. The principal items of expenditure were debit balance, £13 78 Id; circuit fund, £63 18a Id; interest <md mortgage, £10 10s; and the total was £104 6s 3d; leaving a credit balance of 17s lOd. Addresses were given by the Revs. W. J. Watkin and C. H. Laws. Hymns and anthems were sung in the intervals by the choir :ind at the close votes of thanks were accorded to the speakers, and the ladies who presided at the tables.

On Wednesday afternoon an old man named John Hall, blacksmith, who lives in England-street, Ponsonby, died somewhat suddenly. He went down to the blacksmith's establishment, Custom-street West, where his sons were working, with their dinner. Shortly afterwards he went to the back of the premises, and being missed his sons went to look for him, and found him lying on his face doad. Constable Browne happened to be in the vicinity, and he removed the body of deceased to his residence to await an inquest. Yesterday Dr. Philson, coroner, held an inquest at the Suffolk Hotel, Mr. Wm. Young being foreman of the jury. After taking the evidence of Constable Browne, Thomas and John Hall, sons of deceased, and Dr. Hooper, who was called in, the jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes." It appears that deceased had been abtended by Dr. Moir 9ome months ago for some chest complaint, and that he had been ailing off and on for some time past. Deceased was 68 years of age.

Lasb evening Madame Trevelli, R.A.M., and some of her pupils gave a musical evening at the Institute for the Blind, for the benefit of the inmates. A number of the subscribers and friends of the Institute were present. The entertainment was under the management of Madame Trevelli. The following was the programme :—" The Island of Dreams" and "Angels Ever Bright and Fair," Mrs. Mouzer ; "Call Me Back," Mrs. Rathbone; "Adieu, Marie," Mrs. Bloomfield; duet, " Life's Dream is O'er," Mrs. Mouzer and Miss Armstrong ; « Whisper and I shall Hear," and " Dear Heart, Miss Abkinson. Miss Tilley played the pianoforte accompaniments. These vocal selections were much appreciated by the audience, and a very pleaeanb evening was epenb.

A meeting of the Food Reform Society was held last night in the Y.M.C.A. rooms. There waß a good attendnnce. Several new members and associates were enrolled, bringing the total strength of the society up to 37. The secretary announced that Messrs. C. E. Button and W. H. Smith had consented to act as vice-presidents of the society. A working committee of three ladies and three gentlemen were elected. The question of arranging a vegetarian picnic during the coming holidays was discussed. Mr. Wormall read a paper on "Some Scientific Aspects of Food Reform," the various points raised being heartily discussed.

The rite of confirmation was administered (by His Lordship the Primate, in Holy Trinity Church, Otahuhu, on Wednesday evening, December 12. Fourteen candidates, two males and twelve females, were presented by the incumbent, Canon Gould. The Bishop gave an excellent and practical address from the evening lesson for Christmas Day, Titus iii., 4-9. At the close of the service Canon Gould specially invited all who had just been confirmed, and their friends and relatives, to attend the early communion service on Sunday morning next.

The daily prayer meeting in connection with the MoNeill-Burke united mission was yesterday couducted by the Rev. Mr. Warner. There was a representative attendance. Mr. McNeill leaves New Plymouth on Tuesday night for Auokland, and will arrive here on Wednesday morning, opening the mission that evening in the City Ball.

"The Story of Charles Dickens" was told last evening at the Opera House by Mr. A. Power Lepoer's Company. The connecting readings, giving the greab novelist's early life and struggles, with selections from his works, were read by Mr. Ainsley, and from time to time scenes were enacted, Mr. Power Lepoer appearing as The Dodger, Dick Swiveller, etc. In the first scene little Florence Masters was Oliver Twist, and spoke her lines admirably. Madame Londra was a good Marchioness in the second. The programme was interspersed with appropriate music.

There were iu the lock-up last evening two prisoners on charges of drunkenness.