LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9726, 23 January 1895, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The interruption of telegnic communication with Port Darwin.d the consequent stoppage of all ca news from Europe, still continues, ,ie necessary repairs to the broken line w to have been. completed yesterday, but »arently that was found to bo impossil It is expected, however, that combication will be restored to-day. Yesterday a cable messapvas received by Captain Graham, of H.B. Wallaroo, from the Admiral, orderir.the ship to proceed to Samoa before tWsth instant, and it is understood that tlwarship will leave port on Friday next. ; considerable amount of indignation is exessed by the cre w at the sction of the uthorities ifi ordering the snip back to thedands. TJe men assert tint this course tans wrecW'g : the healths if not killing a l«je nunib«r of them, inasmuch as the Islai climax at this season o: tie year is of arklmost/estilential nature, and exceeding/ tryhg to Europeans, hey claim that the? have been rive mo»ths in the Islads/luring which time trey have had a mot fetched existence, it i ing all sea worktaF'ghfcful weather, beetles which they larfbeen on " salt grcb"tack all the time h present there aronetrly sixty of the ere/suffering from ulo« and climatic dfbify, and it was sole! on account of the Iplth of the men the the captain took t;3 responsibility ot":oming across to Rev Zealand in order the the crew should havia thorough change. There are over 200 nil on board, and it i a well known fact iat ships of the Waliroo class are far froi being comfortable n the matter of venfation, etc. ; and suriy if, as it is presupd has been done, t!> state of the men f s been made known ) the Admiralty aihorities, the men. shild have had some/consideration extendeto them under the ircumstances. Now iat the election of i/embers of the Board c Education is iitjkand, members an calidates are look&g after their interest Mr. S. Luke m his circular nates tit he has been nefly 17 consecutive ys-s a member of the Board, during whh time he has trfcd to the best of his" abfcy to do his part? in administering our n'onal system d education. If electeche is going to press for more attentiooeing given t> technical education and aicultural chemistry.

On Friday last Mr. Mueller (Crown Land' Commissioner) left in the s.s. t'helrford, for Whakatane, en route for the Ure\ra country, in connection with the Ureva surveys. The Hon. Mr. Cadman proems overland from Rotorua, and with the irveyor-Generai (Mr. Piercy Smith) wifl eet Mr. Mueller in the Kuatoki distrie

meeting of the City Schools Coiaittee was held last evening, there bei' present: Messrs. J. Blades (chairma, K. Farrell, J. T. Julian, G. Squirrell, J, , ?airs, R. Crowe, and Dr. Walker. It wa decided to nominate Mrs. E. W. Tb.nl 3 and Mr. S. Luke, as members for thefcard of Education- on the proposition of i. R. Farrell. The secretary of the Boa: of Education wrote asking the committ to meet the members of the Board at 2,3(p.m. on Friday next to consider the queion of increased accommodation in the citjchools. On the motion of Mr. Julian It \s resolved to meet the Board as suggest- The committee decided to request th(3oard to paint the whole of Napier and -street Schools, and also that a new floing be placed on the verandah of the Kcon-street School.

, eood deal of interest was taken in Ackland yesterday in the Wellington Kgai'-a, from the fact that the new yacht Vaitbgri, built by Mr. R. Logan, of the Kirtfi Shore, ' was a competitor in the clamionship race for yachts of 5-rating and cner.ind when it became known last night that he new yacht had proved an easy winrr, the result was received with much enti?siasm by yachtsmen generally. It will* seen by a report of the race, which appirs in another part of this issue, that the adit was sailed by Mr. Logan himself, ane that the result was also greeted with muh enthusiasm by the very large number wb witnessed the event. The Rona, which wf also built by Mr. Logan, was the vieto in the second-class yacht race, beating tb Atalanta. of Napier, which was built by filey last year. The latter yacht is said t be under offer to a Wellington syndicate, fer owner being desirous of having a larger oat. Mr. Logan is to be congratulated jpon his success in turning out such a speedy class of yachts, and the result of the races at Wellington yesterday should be a source of source of satisfaction, not only to the builder, bat, the owners of the boat.

A. special meeting of the Ponsonby Scuools Committee was held on Monday ewning last in the schoolroom, Churchstreet. There were present Messrs. J. Patterson (chairman), W. Leys (hon. secretary), Turner, Shaw, Swales, Maxwell, inQ Clark. The meeting was called for the puipoaeof nominating two members for the vacancies on the Board of Education, and

Mas. Emily Withiel Thomas was unani muusly chosen as one nominee. _ After scale .discussion Mr. A. R. Harris was selected as the ether nominee of the Ponsonby Schools Committee. Some discussion took place as to the voting power of the committee in the election of members to the Education Board, the Ponsonby Schools Committee being unanimously of opinion that the time had arrived when a change was necessary. The City Schools Committee represent nearly 3000 children, and the Ponsouby Committee 1300, and yet these bodies have each only the same voting power as a committee representing say 20 or 30 children in the election of members of tho Education Board. The following resolution was unanimously carried, and the secretary was instructed to forward copies to the Minister of Education, the Boards of Education, and the members of the idouse of Representatives in the vicinity of the City of Auckland. The following is the resolution ;—" That this committee desires to draw the attention of the Minister of Education to the unfair method of electing the members of the Education Board. This committee considers that the toting should be more fairly adjusted, and areof opinion that it is moat unjust that a committee representing an attendance of 12 children should have equal voting power with a committee representing 1500 children." No other business was transacted, a? the ordinary monthly meeting of the committee will be held on the first Friday in February.

An inquest on the body of Mr. Charles PeaLe, whose death on board ths steamer Monowai was announced in the Herald of yesterday, was held before Dr. Philson (coroner) yesterday afternoon. After the evidence of Dr. Walker/Constable Stanyer, Mr. Nalsmith (chief steward of the Monowai), and Mr. Hall's assistant (at whose shop the chlorodyne had been purchased), bad been given, the jury returned a verdict "That deceased died from chlorodyne poisoning, but there is no evidence to show as to whether the dose was taken to procure sleep or with the intention of committing suicide." The wife of deceased, who resides at Nelson, was communicated with yesterday, and in accordance with her instructions the body is to be interred at Waikomiti to-day.

A parade of the City Rifles was held last evening at the Drill Shed, under Captain Robertson and Lieutenants Dormer and Oakes. Colonel Goring delivered a practical and useful lecture to the corps, as also to the officers of the Garrison, on "Out post Duty." On Saturday afternoon a rifle match, ten men a fide, will take place between the City Rifles and the Ponsonby Navals, Martini-Henry Rifles being used. The City Rifles team is already chosen, and is as follows:—Lieutenants Dormer and Oakes, Corporal Cox, Privates Rose, Tobin, Draffin, Hill, Tierney, Coleman, and Kother; Captain Robertson, emergency man. The ranges are 200, 500, and 600 yards, seven shots at each range. The match is looked forward to with much interest. '

Complaints are made by visitors to the Saltwater Baths, Custom-street West, of the insanitary condition of the baths. It appears that the " blacks" from the neighbouring timber mills are drifted on the air into the baths, and make matters very unpleasant for the bathers.

The value of a good water supply is well illustrated in the case of Devon port, and the lesson should be laid to heart by other districts not so happily favoured. It shows that it is not only a factor in maintaining a high standard of public health, but that it is a saving of money as well as of human life. An Auckland architect informs us that since Dovonport has had its waterworks scheme completed, property in the Borough has risen on an average 25 per cent. He has himself since that date built six residences, while about a score have been erected from plans by other architects. There is said to be not an empty house in the district, while there is a growing demand for residence sites, and land speculators are beginning to cast their eyes upon vacant spaces with a view to reaping the " unearned increment " in the future. A number of good rilla residences have also been recently built, in the Takapuna district. The growing prosperity of the above districts, through a good water supply and efficient communication, has led the Messrs. Jpaterson Bros., the well-known 'bus proprietors, to increase the accommodation at their Devonport stables and enlarge their coaching plant for the Devonport-Takapuna service. At the Police Court yesterday morning an elderly lady named Mrs. Philips applied tohave her grandson, Sydney Philips, aged 10 years, committed to the Industrial School.

The magistrate (Mr. Bush, S.M.), asked her what amount she was prepared to pay towards his maintenance. She said that she

was not able to pay anything. Mr. Bush said as the child was not a neglected child, and she could not contribute towards bis maintenance, he could not see his way to commit him.

The district railway manager notifies a cheap railway excursion on Anniversary Day to Ngaruawahia, Hamilton West, Te Awamutu, or Te Aroha, first-class return, 10s 6d ; second-class, 7s 6d, available for day of issue only. There is also a cheap picnic train to Henderson on same day. It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that extended excursion tickets will be issued on certain dates specified.

A little boy named Arthur Dunn, aged four years, whose parents reside in Victoria Crescent, Newmarket, was kicked on the head a day or two ago while playing in a paddock in which a horse was grazing. The boy is supposed to have been trying to catch the horse's tail when ib kicked him on the side of the head and inflicted a nasty scalp wound. The lad's injuries were attended to by Dr. Gordon and he is progressing favourably. A meeting of the Crown Lands Board was held yesterday (Mr. Bagnall in the chair, owing to the absence of the Crown Lands Commissioner on the East Coast). A

good deal of business was disposed of. In a number of cases ib was decided to forfeit selectors' selections unless they complied with the conditions laid down by law, and in some other instances they were called upon to show cause for their neglect.

The police have started on the preparation of the city jury lists for the present year. Constables Pardy and Lowry are entrusted with the work.

On the passage up from Gisborne on Monday night a very enjoyable concert was given in the social hall of the s.s. Waihora by a number of the passengers. Mr. Stewart occupied the chair, and Mr. Bartley acted as accompanist. A capital programme of songs and musical selections was gone through iu a hearty and enthusiastic manner, and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Bartley.

Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son, tourist agents, have issued their programme for their fifth annual excursion party from Australia to China and Japan. The E. and A. Company's s.s. Airlie, Captain Ellis, will be despatched from Sydney, early in March, the route being from that port via Queensland ports and Port Darwin to Hongkone, thence through the Inland Sea to Kobe; on the return voyage the vessel will call at Hongkong and Queensland ports. Time will be given for visiting places of interest at the different ports of call, and nearly four weeks will be allowed in Japan for excursions inland. The whole trip will occupy about 100 days.

A meeting of the Women's Liberal League was held yesterday evening in the Wesley Hall, Pitt-street. Mrs. Kerr presided, and there were about 40 present. Some time was spent in discussing the half-holiday question. Eventually a proposition, for which 15 voted, was carried, heartily approving of the Saturday half-holiday, expressing the hope that the Conference would adopt that day, trusting that the Government next session would remove all exemptions, and pledging those voting not to shop after one p.m. on Saturdays, and to do all in their power to induce all women to do the same. Only six voted for an amendment that Wednesday being the best day for small shopkeepers, and as a Saturday half-holiday would mean ruin to many of them, the fixing of the day should be left to the shopkeepers. The question of taxing unimproved values was afterwards discussed. Writing on the subject) of the export of butter from the colonies to Britain, in the London Chronicle, Mr. G. S. Jakins, Christ church, states:—" My experience for many years with foreign butter is that every handling and re-making-updeteriorates the article, and 1 notice that the trade, getting it in sClb cases in bulk, pat it up into marketable shape for distribution. Now if this was done in the colonies, and shipped frozen in pounds or two pounds as the Brittany, I am perfectly sure that the consumer would get a far finer quality, and that it would keep better. As regards freight it would cost no more nor would the pockages be more. The. advantage I contend would be this, that it would thaw in the kitchen, and every retailer could get his supply from the cool chamber twice a week. In New Zealand I have experimented on butter put away in the frozen chamber in bulk, and re-made-up at a proper factory, also the same butter put away in pounds ; I have found the keeping quality of that put away in marketable shape—namely pounds—has far exceeded the re-made-up article."

The mission of the Rev. Thos. Cook appears to be increasing in interest. Yesterday afternoon he commenced the first of a series of meetings in the Pitt-street Church, "for the deepening of spiritual life." The body of the church was well filled with a representative audience. Mr. Cook gave a pithy address from Romans, vi, 11, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." To these afternoon meetings members of other denominations are heartily invited. In the evening, Mr. Cook addressed another crowded audience in the same building, on the parable of " The Barren Figtree." He said this tree was singled out from the other trees, so Cod singled out each man, and gave him a mission in life, to bear fruit. Some bore evil fruit, begotten of unholy passions; others dead fruit, having all the appearance of life and beauty, but dead, like the Dead Sea fruit, which was fair to behold but turned to ashes even while grasped. Then in other cases were the fruits of righteousness. Make the tree good, and the fruit would be good. Christianity worked from the centre to the circumference, while morality worked from the circumference towards the centre. It was a solemn thing to remember that when the Lord of ; the harvest came looking for fruit, He might find only withered leaves. He exhorted his hearers to bear the fruit of righteousness, and thus avoid that dread verdict of being " cumberers of the ground." A number went into the enquiry rooms. This afternoon Mr. Cook will continue his addresses for deepening spiritual life, and in the evening continue bis missionary services at half-past seven.

The anniversary sermons in connection with the Woodside Wesleyan Sundayschool were preached on January 20 by the Rev. W. J. Williams. There were largo congregations and good collections. The public meeting was held on Monday evening, when the Rev. H. Bull presided, and delivered an address. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev. W. J. Watkin, Messrs. Bowie, Smith, and Martin. The chairman then delivered the prizes to the scholars, and referred to the excellent work done by Mr. G. D. Smith as superinten dent of the school. The singing of the children was very creditable. After votes of thanks to ! the preacher, speakers, and Mrs. Smith, organist, the proceedings were closed by the Benediction.

A late issue of the. Sydney Morning Herald has the following : — For some time past there has been a demand by certain people for more light in the streets, and in connection with the agitation the question has been discussed whether the electric light was not destined to supersede the gas so far an the illumination of the thoroughfare* was concerned. About 18 months ago Messrs. F. Lassetber and Co., Limited, introduced the incandescent gasburner, and it has proved so popular that already something like 13,000 are in use. So favourable is the opinion that has been formed by the Australian Gaslight Company of this system that the burner has recently been introduced for street-lighting purposes in Cleveland-street, and also in Park street, Boomerang-street, and William street. Altogether 69 lamps in the streets named have been fibbed with the new description of burner. People who are fond of instituting comparisons between gas and electricity fire now afforded a fine oppoitunity for doing so, because bhe Gaslight Company, challenging criticism, has selected Cleveland-street as one of the thoroughfares wherein it is demonstrating the brilliancy of gas over the ordinary incandescent electric lamp. One side of this street, being within . the boundary of the municipality of Uedfern, is lighted by the municipality with the electric light, whilst on the other side the incandescent gasburner has established itself with a brilliancy which seems to denote thab ib has come to stay."

It is seldom the public of Auckland have an opportunity of enjoying a finer concert than that given in the Y.M.C.A. Lecture Hall last night, by flerr Vollmar (violoncellist), and Herr Richard Nibschke (baritone), assisted by Madame Londra (soprano), Herr Zimmerman (violinist), Mr. Arthur Towsey and Cyril Towsey. The audience was nob as large as the merits of the performance deserved, but those present were decidedly appreciative, and ib was evident from the commencement to the concluding item that they were delighted with the efforts of the performers. The concert opened with the piano duo, "In Foreign Parts," which was given by Mr. Arthur Towsey and Mr. Cyril Towsey in a manner which evoked hearty demonstrations of approval. Herr Nitschke contributed two songs, " The Message," and " Thou Art My Queen," in each of which he scored a decided success, and had to respond to an imperative encore. Herr Zimraermann created an equally favourable impression with his violin. His solo was so highly appreciated that the audience would not be denied an encore, and in his trio with Herr Vollmar and Mr. Towsey he also appeared to great advantage. Perhaps the gems of the evening were the two violoncello solos for which Herr Vollmar was responsible. His wonderful mastery over his instrument was greatly admired, and in each item he was enthusiastically applauded and re-called. Two songs were given by Madame Londra, " Una Voce Pooo Fa" and " Ave Maria." Both were well receiped. Another choice item was the duet "Oh Fairy Wand" by Madame Londra and Herr Nitschke. Altogether the concert was a complete success, aud it reflected the greatest credit upon Mr. Arthur Towsey, the musical director, and all the performers.

To-morrow evening Madame Goldenstedt will give a concert in the City Hall, assisted by various other musical artists. The programme, which is of a varied and attractive character, appears elsewhere. It comprises several popular numbers by Madame Goldenstedt, and a duet by that lady and Mr. J. Woiinski. A pianoforte solo by Herr Goldenstedt, and a pianoforte duet by that gentleman and Mr. W. H. Webbe. Miss Buckland and Mr. Woiinski contribute songs, etc., and Mr. E. Stevenson a violin solo. Altogether the programme should draw a bumper house.

Gas and coke consumers are reminded that Friday, the 25th instant, is the last day upon which discount can be allowed on their accounts.