LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9927, 17 September 1895, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The] new panel of jurors called for the Supreme Court was to have been erapannelled at 11 o'clock yesterday, bat the prolonged forgery cases occupied the time of the court, and it was nob until four o'clock that they were called and empannalled. They were sworn in for the criminal and then for the civil sittings. The case against) E. H. Percy was then called, and a Jury selected for the trial. The remaining jurors were discharged until next day. • Yesterday afternoon Dr. Philson, ooronsr, held an inquest at the Lower Hobson-sfcreefc Hotel, on the body of Richard Blackwell, whose body was found in a culvert at Epsom under circumstances detailed in yesterdays issue. The evidence of Mrs. Blackwell, Mr. Croiiin', who found the body, and Constable Walker, was • taken. The jury re* turned an open verdict of " found dead,,

A meeting of the comwittee charged with th« work of promoting a statue to Sir Geo. Urey was held at the Municipal Buildings last night. There was a good attendance, His Worship the Mayor presiding. Before the business was entered on,/ the Mayor welcomed Mrs. W. C. JDAldy and other representatives of the Women's Political Association. After some discussion it was carried nem. con. that an executive committee be appointed, consisting; of the lady secretaries of the Women's Poetical Association and the Women's Liberal League Bis Worship the Mayor, Messrs. John King, A. Sanford, G. Fowldi and the secretary, for the purpose of Supervising the work of the collectors and', generally carrying tluough the undertaking to a successful conclusion. The subcommittee appointed at last meeting submitted a carefully prepared subdivision o| the city anil suburbs into some forty-sir collection districts. During the proceeding) business was suspended in ordor to afford jta opportunity to Mrs, Daldy, Presicjoi* 0 the Women's Political Association, ti address the meeting. She urged the ibaudonmenb of the idea of a statue, and advised iin lieu of it some benevolent institution to bear Sir George Grey's name, preferably something of the nature of a for the instruction of mothers. Th) matter was discussed by several speakers, but it was shown that with the sinceresb sympathy of those present for the good objict advocated by Mrs. Daldy, the commiitee was not competent to make the alteration in the objects of the movement, even if it wished, that subscriptions had been alrtady received towards the statue, and furtlor that the committee only derived its exigence from a public meeting, which had jreated the proposal of a statue and the committee at. the same time. The sub-di'isions were then considered, and a large amount of the work of allotting the work was Completed. Id was arranged that the secretary should also pay a visit to the meethg of the Women's Political Association this afternoon, and at night to the Women's Liberal League, Wesley Hall, so that any books nob taken might,' with the concurrence of these bodies, be distributed amongst the willing eo-opertfors. The customary compliment to tie chairman terminated the proceedings.

The charge of forgery, which las occupied the time of the Supreme Court for such a length of time, was on again until a late hour last evening. The iddresses of counsel were lengthy and his Honor's summing up was exhaustive, so that it was not until nearly four o'clock that the case was remitted to the jury. These gentle* men at seven o'clock brought in a verdict of guilty with a recomraendati>n to mercy, and when asked the grounds for their recommendation the foreman replied that they considered the female prisoner, Mrs. Bearer, subject to delusions. This Mr. Theo. Cooper, who appeared for the defence, claimed to be equivalent to a verdict of nob guilty. His Honor deferred (sentence till Friday, and in the meantime ordered the release of the prisoners until that time. The trial of a man named Percy, charged with administering medicines with a view to procuring miscarriage, was commenced, and after several witnesses had been examined, it was adjourned until ten o'clock this morning. There has just been presented to the Free Public Library by Mr. Adam Cairns, a member of the City Council, the following books :—First, the memoirs of their late Royal Highnesses, Charlotte, Princess of Wales, and her consort, Prince Leopold of Saxon-Coburg, Seal field, with engravings, dated ISIS. Second, " Resuacitatio," by Francis Bacon, and letters written by this author to Queen Elizabeth. "The Holy War," 1622, also engravings, 1670-1.

The attendance at the Auckland Insti- I tube last night was unusually large, all the seats being occupied, and there was (what does not often occur) a very considerable \ proportion of ladies. Professor Thomas presided, and introduced Mr. E. W. Paytcn, principal of the Elara School of Art, who proceeded to read a most interesting paper on "Art and Photography." In a slightly caustic manner, blended with easy sarcasm, he dealt with the criticisms by young photographers which sometimes appear in the Journals ; but on the main question of art and photography he pointed out that the latter could never till the' place of the formerthat a photograph was at the best a dwarfed detail of a view or landscape, and that all idea of grandeur or breadth, such as appeared in an artistic picture, was wanting. To illustrate this he alluded to the effects of lines in etching, ' the broad effects produced by the latter in the simplest form as compared with photographs. Mr. Payton then produced with the effect of limelight a series of reproductions of pictures by famous painters, principally portraits, for the purpose of illustrating his subject, and pointed out how these great painters neglected the minor details to concentrate all their powers on the salient features—the eye, the face, etc. At the close of the lecture there were appreciative remarks made by several members. With reference to " Old Stories Retold," the attacks on Turuturumokai and Ngata-ote-manu, Mr. P. Cahill, of Opotiki, writes in explanation as follows "As my letter re Turuturumokai and West Coast campaign was nob published in full, I wish to correct that I asserted the men ab Turuturumokai were under arms when attacked, nor do I wish to champion any living member. 1 desire to state that Senior Sergeant McMinn, of No 5 Company, took Constable Hylund, of No. 2Company, A.C., at Ngata-ote-manu to a place of safety with very little assistance, Hylund being badly wounded, they being exposed to a heavy fire all the time. Mr. Johnston, of Turuturumokai was a volunteer."

Yesterday a man named Collings, keeper of Mr. Lushington'a yacht, was brought up in the steamer Rose Casey from Mahurangi, having had his right hand badly injured by dynamite, while getting ready for fishing. Mr. Lusbington accompanied the injured man to town, and took him to the Hospital in a cab. Last night Drs. Lewis, Pabat, and Purchas assisting, amputated Collings' band. He ia doing as well as could be expected. The body of the late Mr. George Wray Thornton, storekeeper, has been found at bail Point. It will be remembered that he was drowned on the instant, by his boat coming into collision with the steamer Kina. An inquest will be held to-day. Another search will be made, to-day, by the Water Police, and Mr. Robert Mahoney's friends, for the body of that gentleman. The search will extend to the upper reaches of the harbour, as it is deemed likely that lufficienb time has now elapsed for the body to Boat.

Some little excitement was caused at Korthcote and Birkenhead yesterday, by the reported discovery of what was ignorantly thought to be a sulphur spring on the rocks in a email bay between the two place?. Last night. Mr. Tarry, a resident of Northcote, brought over to the Hkrald Office the following statement of Alfred Hurley, which explains the whole circumstance — Last Saturday morning I was coming from the Sugar Wor'is and saw a tin lying on the beach inside of high-water mark, the tide being out at the time. I wanted to see what was in the tin, and so picked it up and threw it down on the rocks, but it took no effect. I then picked it up again and threw it down, when it exploded with a report just like the report of a gun. It smelt very strongly of sulphur. Some three hours afterwards my little brothers passed the place, when they '■aw smoke and smouldering fire. I have been down to-night, and brought the tin away and gave it to Mr. Tarry. This is febout the exact place where the supposed sulphur spring has broken out. The tin i 3 something like a 4lb tin. with a small pointed end." Mr. Tarry brought over the article with him, which upon examination turns out to be one of the signal lfghts which are thrown overboard from vessels with a lifebuoy when a person falls overboard at night at sea. The tin is filled with a combination of chemicals, which upon coming in contact with the water ignites, sulphur being one of the ingredients. It is to be regretted that alarmist reports should be published without first ascertaining their reliability. A meeting of the Alexandra-street Church Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening, when Mr. David , Goldie presided, and delivered an address on "Essentials to Success in Life." An animated discussion ensued. A vote of thanks to Mr. Goldie was carried by acclamation. The Royal Insurance Company ; have removed into new offices in the Herald Buildings, as being central and suitable for *«wir business.

pr^ R^ efc ?ab Mr ' Richard Spratts Factor* ? recovery is not so satisth. si* Mh « friends were led to hope from in nn\i ».° V T enb in his condition which set fnr lv? ay and Sunday. He took a turn .> * or ? yesterday afternoon and the anxiety of his friends is renewed. /. f , * meting, recently, of the Council of tne Canterbury branch of the National Association, a circular was received from the socretary of the Progressive Liberal Association. From the circular, it appeared, among other things, thab the latter body, " while thankfully living under a Democratic form of Government, was of opinion that at present members of Parliament are forced into voting against their convictions, in order to avoid a crisis that such members " are not free to record their votes, in accordance with their pledges and consciences" that members are called upon to sacrifice their conviction, in order to retain a particular set of men in office " that the country witnesses a ceaseless struggle, which goes on every session, for the possession of the Treasury benches," &c. In the discussion whioh followed the opinion was freely expressed thab the state of affairs admitted by the Progressive Liberal Association to exisb amply justified the existence of the National Association—one of whose chief objects was to return to Parliament capable and honourable men who would uphold the public credit, and whose aim would not be individual gain but the of the whole colony. Ib was decided to reply to the circular regretting that political life in New Zealand had sunk so low as was admitted in the circular that the National Association was keenly alive to the evils resulting therefrom ; and that the National Association hoped by the adoption of its new platform and principles, especially in regard to the election of capable, honourable, and disinterested representatives, the evils deplored by the Progressive Liberal Association would be greatly reduced if nob entirely removed.

The Southern Gross Log for September is to hand. Bishop Wilson's journal " Old Scenes viewed through New Glasses," is still continued. There is an interesting letter to the Bishop written by Admiral Cyprian Bridge, under the heading, "Ships that Sail in the Southern Seas: Men-of-War." The Admiral says :—" I'ou have asked me to give you some idea of the duties performed by the ships of the Squadron on the Australian Station. In reply, I may say that it is difficult, or indeed impossible, to convey to anyone not belonging to Che service what the peace duties of men-of-war are, unless one goes into very elaborate detail. I will, however, try to make tolerably clear what our work is. To begin with, it is necessary to know ■ that—except the so-called. ' Pacific Station,' which practically is almost confined to the western coast of the American Continent— 4 Australian Station' is the largest there is. As each of the Australian colonies has to be visited occasionally, the available force and time for cruising is aboub three ships for about half the year. Occasional cruises have to be made to the Ellice, Gilbert, Marshall, and Carolina Islands, and the Admiral always tries to have New Guinea visited once a year. The work of the cruising ships may be described as looking after the vessols engaged in the labour trade, calling at trading stations, and mission stations of the various churches, inquiring into complaints made by British subjects and by natives, and taking necessary action for restraining outrages committed at any of the islands. Officers in command of the oruising ships are specially enjoined to protect British interests, and detailed instructions are given them for their guidance in dealing with native races, to whom they are directed to extend their good offices whenever possible."

Last night there were again large additions made to the students' roll ab the Auckland Technical School, Rutland-street, these being now over 180 persons receiving tuition in the various subjects being taught there. The proposal to establish afternoon classes for ladies and others is likely to be attended with success, the secretary having already received a number of names of intending students for the classes in cookery, woodcarving, etc. lb is quite evident that the advantages being gained by present students are becoming known to a large circle of their friends, and we trust there will be still considerable additions. Those desirous of learning more about this useful institution should certainly pay a visit to the school any evening, when the secretary will be only too pleased to give all information respecting the various classes. One of the first New Zealand-born settlers in the Wellington district has just passed away—Mr. John Whitehouse, of Porirua, aged 50 years. The parents of the deceased arrived in Wellington on May 22, 1841, landing at Pipitea Point. Shortly after arrival they went to reside on a Sarin situated on the old Porirua Koad, near the Half-way House, ab which place Mr. John Whitehouse was born in 1845. About 30 years ago he removed to Porirua, and has lived there until now, carrying on the business of a sheep farmer. Tho deceased was widely known and respected. He was the brother of Mr. T. Whitehouse, of that city, and also of Mr. W. Whitehouse, of Inglewood. He leaves three sons and four daughters. The cause of death was enlargement of the liver. ■ As an instance of the peculiarity of tho lay of the artesian water supply in some parts of Hawke's Bay, a pipe was recently driven over 300 feet ab Havelock without getting anything of a flow. Another pipe was pub down only a few feet away and at a depth of 170 foeb a splendid flow was obtained. A meeting of the Licensing Court was held ab Kawakawa on Monday last, when an application was made for the transfer of a license from Russell to Mangawhare, on the Northern Wairoa. Mr. Cotter appeared to oppose the application, and Mr. Reed appeared in support of it. Petitions wore presented for and against the transfer. The police authorities strongly opposed the application on the ground of there being no necessity for a licensed house at Mangawhare, there being two hotels in the vicinity, which gave ample accommodation, and also on other grounds. After hearing the evidence the committee decided by five to two to grant the transfer.

Attention is drawn to the notice appearing in another column requesting the public to aid the Salvation Army this week in their Self-Denial effort. The proceeds from this effort are devoted to the extension of the Army's operations. The social work of the Army has proved very helpful in the community. Referenco may be made to their Night Shelter, and now that the labour market has improved, they propose to close it at the end of the month, being undesirous of doing anything which permanently encourage the growth of a pauper class or weaken self-respect and self-help. During the time it ha« been open they have given hundreds of beds and meals to the homeless and supperjess tramps, contracting a debt of some £5 in excess of receipts, which the charitable public will no doubt aid them in defraying. As showing the economy with which the charity of the Night Shelter has been administered, the whole cost of administration has not exceeded 10a per week, of which Adjutant Spiers, the responsible officer who supervises the work, has not taken one penny. The " Land of the Moa" Company atrived yesterday and arrangements are now well advanced for their opening in Mr. Leitch's great spectacular drama at the Opera House to-morrow evening. The whole of the scenery ha» now arrived and is being fitted up by a large staff of workmen. ' ' The exhibition known as Edison's Amphitrite, from the World's Fair, Chicago, will positively open this evening and every afternoon and evening afterwards for a short season. The reason why the , exhibition was nob open yesterday as announced was that an accident occurred to. the electrical appliances, the battery" broke down, and this rendered ib necessary to postpone the opening. This is stated to be one of the most unique exhibitions that has been as yet brought to the colony.