OUR LETTER HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9990, 29 November 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR LETTER HOME.

jj i 3 Excellency the Governor (tho v a rl of Glasgow), with LadyGlasgowand family, will leave Wellington on the 14th December for Auckland. Thence they >v j]l make a tour in the North, visiting the Iky of Islands, Hokianga, and o tiifi* places in that district. His j-Vi'llpucy lias agreed to open the Medici 'Conference of Australasia, whirl) is to ,)fi at Dunedin in the first week of February, and he will hen make a tour through the Urewera country, reaching Auckland again r!y in March. 'The last sitting of Parliament was l, e M on November 2. The session has extended considerably over the usual length, and has been on the whole unsatisfactory. There has been no legislation of importance, or that can be of bt'i'u'iit to the colony. _ Time was not in the discussion of want-of-r,v :i«lenee motions, because the majority field by the Government is so great ih:'tt anything of the kind would have |~r ll futile. It was hoped that the st'«ion would have been curtailed owing u> the new Standing Orders, which prekiilv a time limit to speeches. But notwithstanding all these things, the si'ssion was much over the usual lfnfith. Ministers are about to assemble at Weiiinston, to settle several matters of imparlance. A new judge has to be appointed to the Supreme Court in the pi.iee of the late Mr. Justice Richmond. It i< understood that the position has been offered to Sir Patrick Buckley, n!io has been Attorney-General in the Ministry since Mr. Ballance took office, ami that he lias accepted it. The term of oliiee of Sir Westby Perceval as Agent-General has expired. It has never been authoritatively stated in the colony whether it is Sir Westby jVivevaTsown desire that he should not continue to hold the office, but it is understood that Ministers think the time has come for a change. In all probability the Hon. W. P. Pieeves, the present Minister of Labour, will be appointed. We may remark that men of all parties in the colony are satisfied with tho way in which Sir Westby Perceval has fulfilled the duties of his office. Several further changes will necessarily follow on these, Sir Patrick Buckley has conducted the business of the Government in the Legislative Council, and someone will have to be appointed to that position. The best thing that the Government could do in their own interest would be to induce Sir Westby Perceval to join the Ministry, and to take the place in the Legislative Council held by Sir Patrick Buckley. The Government would be materially strengthened by such a change. The results of the deliberations of Ministers will be known in a few days. The Midland Railway arbitration case is now proceeding at Wellington. The Court is constituted thus Sir Bruce Burnside, late Chief Justice of Ceylon, is arbitrator for the company ; Sir C. Lilloy, late Chief Justice of Queensland, is arbitrator for the colony; slide the Hon. E. Blake, M.P., is umpire. The counsel for the Government are Sir Robert Stout, Mr. Gully (Wellington), Dr. Fiudlay (Wellington), and Mr. Stringer (Christchurch) ; while the company is represented by Mr. G. Hutchison (Wellington), Mr.'Theo. Cooper (Auckland), and Mr- Jones (Greyraouth). The proceeding are expected to last at least three months. Although we have this month to report continuous progress and success in the working of the goldtield, there lias been a great falling off in the speculation in the Auckland market. This is only what might have been expected, and what indeed was expected by all who reflected on the position. To develop a mine and to furnish it with machinery requires a very large amount of .capital, which cannot be obtained here. A number of mines have been floated on the London market, and in regard to these capital is provided for a thorough exploitation of the ground. But it was reported that something like a collapse had occurred in London in regard to gold mines, and in consequence it was feared that even if promising mines were offered they would not be taken up. This, amongst jtlier causes, eficcted a subsidence of the speculative excitement which had prevailed in the Auckland market, and there has been a general decline in almost all stocks. On the different portions of the goldtield, however, as will be seen by our detailed reports, work is being vigorously prosecuted. Machinery is being erected on different claims, and when crushing operations are started there will be a great increase in the production of gold. At the quarterly meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on November 7, several matters of general importance were discussed. On the motion of Mr. S. Vaile, a resolution was passed that it was desirable that a Pacific cable communicating directly with British possesions only, be laid as speedily as possible. Mr. Graves Aickin moved a resolution (which was carried) in favour of forming a branch of the Navy League. A meeting of shareholders of the Colonial Bank in Dunedin, oil November 8. rati tied the agreement made for the purchase of the Bank by the Bank of New Zealand. The business has now been completely taken over. The well - known Maori chief, Te Wheoro, died at his place, Kangiriri, Waikato, on October 30. From the first, Te Wheoro opposed the war, and endeavoured to restrain his countrymen from entering into a contest with the Europeans. He took this course, because he was convinced that the result ot a war would be disastrous for the Maoris. He was present with the troops during the war in the Waikato, and endeavoured on several occasions to bring about peace. The annual exhibition under the auspices of the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association, began on Nov. Ist on the Association's show ground, Potter's Paddock. All sections of the exhibition were well represented, and some of them largely exceeded in importance those of last year. In the total number of horses entered there was a small decrease as compared with last year, but these were chiefly in the polo pony class, the more important divisions well maintaining their character, both in numbers and quality. Cattle showed a very considerable increase, and there were a number oi really good animals shown. Among fat stock was an enormous bullock shown by Mr, It. Reynolds, of the Waikato district. In former years manj large animals have come from this district, but Mr. Reynolds' bullock this year, whose live weight is 29001bs shows what class of animals can b< reared in Waikato. Shorthorns anc Herefords were in good strength, a: they always are, but the present exhi bition made a good display of tin polled Angus breed, and some o these animals shown gave evidenci of the massive body which this breet can develop. Ayrshires were strongly represented, aided • by contingent from Otago. - Alderneys and Jersey were strongly - ' represented, am many of those animals gave ampl

evidence of grand milking qualities. The number of entries in this class and other dairy cattle clearly show the increasing interest now felt m dairy matters. To this causo also was no doubt due the substantial increase in the exhibits of dairy I produce 'as compared with previous years. Object lessons were also given by Messrs. MacEwan and Waytc, of the Agricultural Department, who had the latest dairy implements in operation, including separators, churns, etc. Work was carried on in the enclosure set apart for this portion, as if it were the ordinary work in a milk factory. Closely adjoining the dairy school was Mr. Hamilton, with the Withell milking machine at work. This could not fail to have been an instructive lesson to many, who perhaps for the first time saw a modern milking machine in operation. The articles of local manufacture were numerous and of high class, both as to material and workmanship, and the exhibition of imported implements worthily represented the enterprise of the exhibiting merchants. In draught stock, Mr. John Phillipps secured the championship for entires, and Mr: liobert Wallace for mares. In shorthorns, Mr. Taylor's bull was champion, and the New Zealand Land Company obtained the champion award for heifers. Mr. Reynolds won championship honours in Horefords for hull and cow. The Avondale Asylum own the bull which took the championship in Ayrshires, and the breeders of the animal, Messrs. A. and J.,McFarlane, obtained the same distinction for a cow. The champion award for Polled Angus fell to the Kereone Estate Company, and in Channel Islands rattle, Mr. F. L. Wright scored with the best bull, j and Mr. F. A. White with the best cow. In sheep classes, the New Zealand Land Association were the principal exhibitors in Leicesters, and took the champion award for the best ram, while in j nomney Marsh, Mr Joseph Barugh obtained a similar honour. Mr. Thomas Coatcs was very successful in the Shropshire Downs class, and won champion and special prizes. Mr. Robert Proude was the only exhibitor of Hampshire Downs, and he was awarded a championship for the best pea of ewes.

The annual exhibition of farm stock, agricultural, implements, produce, etc., under the auspices of the Whangarei Farmers' Club, took place on the Prince of Wales' Birthday at Kensington Park, about two and a-half miles from the township of The natural conditions under which the exhibition was held was all that could be desired, and the attendance exceeded that of any previous similar gathering. Though the exhibits were not numerous, they were of good quality, and highly creditable to the distriet. The judges were painstaking, strictly impartial, and though perhaps they were not in every case successful in satisfying all competitors in some classes, they are entitled to the credit of having done their duty in a just and upright manner. The keenest contest, no doubt, was the section devoted to local produce, in which the competition in home-made bread of various kinds, jams, jellies, etc, was very strong. As to the stock awards, Mr. S. Rawnsley carried oft' first honours in blood stock ; Mr. S. Peters, in the Shire class; Mr. G. Hawken, for Clydesdales; Air. H.Cheeseman, for heavy draughts; Mr. A. Bunyard, for weight-carrying hacks; Mr. G. Hawken, first and champion for shorthorns; Mr. J. 11. Prosland, for Ilomney Marsh sheep; Mr. B. Boose, for Lincolns; and for pigs, Mr. H. Wakelin was the most successful prize taker. Taken altogether the exhibition _ was very successful and encouraging to the settlers in the district. On the 13th November the spring show under the auspices of the Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Association took place at Waimate North. To some extent the show was a failure on account of the inclemency of the weather; heavy rain prevailing the whole day, prevented the attendance of visitors and to a large extent exhibitors and exhibits as well. The farm stock shown were creditable to their owners, and the awards made appeared to be satisfactory to all. Bread, preserves of many kinds, pickles, flowers, etc., were in strong evidence, and a dinner was held in the evening. The following day being fine, the exhibition was kept open, and a large number of exhibits came forward which, had the weather been favourable, would have been shown on the previous day. The Katoomba arrived from the New Hebrides and Noumea on the 18tli inst., and remains here until next week, when she proceeds to Southern ports. The Ringarooma left for Sydney on the 25th instant, where she will await the arrival of the Orlando. The Lizard has visited the Auckland Islands to examine the wreckage reported there, and is at present at Wellington. The Goldfinch is at Sydney, and comes back to this division shortly to relievo the Lizard, the latter ship proceeding to Sydney. The Orlando is in Western Australia, and returns to Sydney about Dec. 24. The Pylades arrived at Suva fro:n Samoa on Nov. 12, and left for Sydney on the 14th. The Dart arrived at Sydney on the 19th iustant, from a surveying cruise along the Queensland coast. The Ringdove arrived at Sydney on the 10th instant from the Islands, and remains there until the Orlando returns. The Wallaroo was at Adelaide at last reports. The Kurrakatta has left Sydney for Melbourne. The Royalist, Mildura, and Boomerang are at Sydney. The Rapid has gone to Queensland ports. The Penguin is surveying in the Friendly Group, and the Waterwitch in the Fiji Group. The latter ship is under orders to return to Sydney shortly. The Italian warship Cristoforo Colombo arrived at this port from Wellington on the 24th instant, and left for the South Sea Islands yesterday, Samoa being the first place of call. The German warship Bussard has left Fiji for Samoa to relieve the Falke, the latter ship proceeding to Sydney. The Anglican Diocesan Synod was in session at the date of the publication of last summary, presided over by the Most Rev, Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland and Primate of New Zealand. The session, although a most interesting one in many respects, presented no special legislative features, and none of the measures or motions brought forward gave rise to much discussion.

An important ecclesiastical event was celebrated on the Ist instant, All Saints' Day, when the new St. Paul's Church, erected in Symonds-street, was consecrated with unusual eclat by the Most Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland and Primate of New Zealand, and as the sessions of the Diocesan Synod had only just terminated, there wag an attendance of nearly all the clergy of the diocese. The ceremonial was impressive and imposing. St. Paul's, for some years past, has had a peculiar experience. The brick church, one of the most prominent landmarks ot ;i tlie harbour in early days, had to be'' taken down to make room for city improvements, required in consequence of the cutting away of Fort Britomart. A temporary church was erected in the immediate, vicinity, but the desire of the congregation and their pastor, the Rev, 0. M. Nelson, was to have a

permanent and suitable building in which to worship. Thus thoy now have in a central position in Symondsstreet a beautiful edifice of blue stone and Oamaru white stone, which is considered by many architects as superior in quality as it is in colour to the celebrated English Bath stone. The quarterly criminal sittings of the Supremo Court were opened on the 25th inst. before His Honor Mr. Justice Conolly. There were 23 indictments, but with one or two exceptions the offences with which the grand jury had to deal were of the usual character, mainly consisting of theft in its various characteristics of stealing, robbery from the person, and sheep, horse, and cattle stealing. There was one very grave charge about which there was a good deal of interest on account of its unusual surroundings. A man named Darrah, a settler residing at Hikutaia, about 16 miles from the Thames, had money stolon from his house repeatedly during his absence, and as entrance could only be eflected in one way, by means of a ladder to a loft door, he in the most ingenious manner fixed a gun loaded with ball in such a way that any person going up the ladder and opening the door must be shot through the head or heart. The trap was most effectual, for one evening on returning from his work he found a Maori lying dead at the foot of the ladder shot through the heart. He at once rode to tho Thames and surrendered himself to the police. He has been tried on the charge of murder, and convicted of manslaughter under a strong recommendation to mercy on the part of tho jury, and sentence has been deferred until Saturday. A recent issue of the Times contains a notice of the late Professor Riley, the head of tho Entomological Department of the United States Government, whose death was caused by a fall from a bicycle. In the course of the notice the following passage occurs:—"One of his most brilliant exploits was the suppression of a scale insect which threatened to destroy the orange groves of California; this he did by introducing and acclimatising from Australia an insect —allied to the English ladybird—which preyed upon the scale insect." We have no desire to detract from the scientific fame of Professor Riley, who was perhaps the leading specialist in his line in the world. But with regard to the suppression of the scale insect, lie had only an indirect connection, and as the story is a very remarkable one, we will tell it here. It is another instance showing what science may do in the preservation of valuable products, and how necessary it is, in these days when the whole world is in intimate communication, that science should be organised. The "scale insect" spoken of is the Icerya Purchasii, which made its appearance about the same time in Australia and New Zealand. It was first noticed by Dr. A. G. Purchas, of this city, who brought some specimens to one of the meetings of the members of the Auckland Institute. The pest spread very rapidly about Auckland, attacking many different trees, and being particularly severe on oranges, lemons, citrons, and all that class. The acacia and kowiiai trees were also very liable to its attacks, and even the gorse and Pinus insignis trees in some places were white with the iusect. Several lemon and orange orchards were quite destroyed by it. Mr. Maskell, of Christchurch, determined the genus of the insect, and named its species after Dr. Purchas, who had been the first to bring it to the notice of science. There is reason to think that it is a native of Australia. In some way it was conveyed to California, and did great damage for some years amongst the orange and lemon orchards there. Quite a panic was created by its ravages, and it was thought that it would ruin the industry, in which several millions sterling had been invested. Professor Riley asked the United States Government to allow him to seud an ofHcerof hisdepartment to the Australasian colonies to see if any light could be obtained on how to deal with it, but the Government at Washington declined to sanction the expense, considering that there was little chance of any benefit resulting. The object was, however, attained in another way. The Melbourne International Exhibition was then on, and Professor Riley managed to get appoiuted, as one of the United States representatives, Mr. Albert Kobele, a young German, who was one of the staff of the Entomological Department. In the meantime, a mysterious change had taren occurring here. The scale insect had commenced to disappear, although rio one could make out the cause. Mr. iiobele landed in Auckland at about ten o'clock one night from the San Francisco steamer, and came straight to the Herald Office, and informed tho members of the editorial staff what was his mission to Australia, Ho was told about the gradual and mysterious decrease o& the insect, and he determined to stay over here, to determine the cause of the diminution of the plague. In company with Mr. Cheeseman, F.L.S., curator of the Auckland Museum, he commenced next day his study of the subject in the Cemetery gully, which a short time before had been white with the scale insect. Being a trained entomologist, Mr, Kobele knew how to go to work, and, after careful examination and study, he found that the Icerya was being preyed upon by a very dirainutive species of ladybird called tho Vedalia Cardinalis. He obtained a number of specimens of this insect, and sent them to California, where they have saved millions' worth of property. The Vedalia is somewhat difficult to preserve. It feeds on the Icerya in all stages of its growth, from the eggs onward, but when it cannot get these it apparently dies for want of food. Captain Broun, the New Zealand entomologist, has always some on hand in case of another outbreak of the pest. It is now, however, rare, although the writer noticed some on a kowhai tree, at the Lake a few weeks ago. To Professor Riley belongs tho credit of sending a capable entomologist to these colonies; but the chief praise is due to Mr, A. Kobele, who detected how it was that,the Icerya was diminishing in the Auckland district, and who set it to work at its beneficent mission in America. __________

The now Rescue Home of the Salvation Army (Hellier House, Grey street) was opened on Nov. 12, in the presence of a number of ladies and gentlemen, by His Worship the Mayor of Auckland and Major and Mrs. Holdaway. Tho Homo is of a commodious character, having 24 rooms, and is well adapted for the.work for which it is set apart. A libel action begun by the Hou. J. G. Ward against tho Wellington Evening Post, in respect of a paragraph published by that journal stating that Mr. Wards denial of Mr. Dubhie's statement) that he (Mr. Ward) had mob Mr. John Murray either on board the Hauroto or oil wharf was untrue, has beon settled. Tho Post, on Monday, the 18th of November, published an apology stating (hat in publishing the paragraph' they acted nptfn erroneous information, and accordingly withdrew the statement contained in it, and express their rogreb to Mr. Ward for having published the same. In addition to the apology the Posb paid all tho legal costs incurred by Mr, Ward in connection with tho action,