LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10036, 24 January 1896, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Av English mail of London date, Decernber 13, will arrive by the mail steamer Uonowal from Sydney, this evening. Some surprise has been «I^A* 6 statement mode in our yesterdays lead" g Sydney, to the effect bha « " e ' . atthe Observatory, placed on grass, and exposed to the full rays of the Led the awful temperature of HI. « teredtne """"'] thll6 there must has been oven ippo-« i T|)ero haveb e ennm.4.-'jnton incident is has been no »'««JV „ 0 affected that St te "heat as merely, felt in the tins was e, without accumulation, the re.tmwpbeie «^t houi circumstances. The Bult . an -J „ which we quoted was that of „ u « in which it is stated that "Mr. p 2 1 (the Government Astronomer) on Kusmii l l » 1,-Ll ilmthelmdnthermomeinquny remarked hat'.e It was in a glassterwh.chreg.se '- ■ * observatory ground, ami tl« in.i statement ,inedMt 'J n f;,l .S«of accumulation was to show the l loWel , n(i under the direct r:.ys of the m , .w E»Jh «cb a temperature as tin deerc" higher than that of boiling watorrtibMakena.rc.pre.en.tn.theactual sun heat ,h..red into the atmosphere, it ndicafe- the added suffering that must have Sin many cases causod by the uccumulated heat.

Tho local agent of the Labour Bureau (Mr Ferguson) states that he has received instructions from Mr. Vickerman to select eight bricklayer, for the Auxiliary Asylum Unemployed bricklayers already on the list should make application for work before ten a.m. to-day, whan a ballot will be taken. Applicants who are not known to Mr. Ferguson will be required to produce proofs that they are competent workmen. We have to acknowledge receipt of a pamphlet from the Government Printing Office, Wellington, relative to the Opouralino estate, Bay of Plenty, containing 6504 acres, and which will be open for occupation on the terms and conditions therein set out on the 12th pros. The block is being cut up into suitable sections to meet the wants nf intending settlers. A map is appended, fiom surveys made by Mr. A. L. Foster, and the pamphlet is illustrated by photographs. The pamphlet is issued under the authority of the Minister of Lands. It now appears that none of the Roman Catholic Bishops in New Zealand attended tho recent Plenary Council in Sydney because of a difference of opinion amongst the Australasian Bishops, which was referred to his Holiness the Pope and the Congregation of tho Propaganda at Kome, and was decided against the New Zealand prelates. The Bishops of this colony took ptrb in tho first Plenary Council held at Sydney in 1885, and the statutes enacted are now in force in this colony. But (says the Age), although Cardinal Moran has on several occasions in public advocated the political federation of the Australian colonies, he is opposed to an ecclesiastical federation of his own church which would include New Zealand, the principal ground being that of distance. A majority ol the Australian Bishops agreed with the Cardinal, but the New Zealand prelates strenuously objected and appealed to Rome. The whole question was investigated by the Committee of Cardinals, called the Congregation of the Propaganda, at Rome, who recommended to Pope Leo XIII. that the severance of New Zealand from the federation of the Australian and Tasmania!) dioceses should be authorised. The Pope accepted the recommendation. Tho i\ew Zealand bishops bowed to the decision of the Sovereign Pontiff, and sent their felicitations to the Council sitting at Sydney. The New Zealand prelates, under directions received from Home, are now about to hold a "Provincial" Council of their own, the statutes framed at Which will be sent direct to the Pope for his assent. Many think that the new arrangement will work well, as all the New Zealand bishops are Englishmen by birth, and the Australian and Tasmanian prelates are all Irishmen, with two exceptions, and these are respectively Italian and Spanish.

A meeting of subscribers to the recentlyformed Auckland branch of the Navy League wag held at the Harbour Board Buildings yesterday afternoon. Mr. Malcolm Niccol was voted to the chair, and in opening the proceedings informed those present that the meeting had been called with a view to appointing officers arid transacting any other business that might be brought before them. The officers required would be a president, secretary and a committee to sign the requisition that would bo forwarded to London for the establishment of the local branch. On the motion of Mr. Farrell, seconded by Mr. Savage, Mr. Niccol, chairman of the Harbour Board and a member of the Navy League, was elected president ex officio. Mr. Napier then moved that Mr. J. M. Brigham be appointed hon. secretary of the League, which was accordingly done. The next business was the election of a committee, and Mr. Niccol proposed that those gentlemen who had formed the provisional committee appointed at the inaugural meeting of the League, together with several others, should be submitted to the meeting for election. This was done, and the present committee consist of Messrs. Malcolm Niccol (president), S. Von Stunner, G. Doweli, J. McLachlan, C. Wood, Merrold, J. M. Brigham (secretary), •T. J. Holland, W. J. Napier, J. Savago, T. Henderson, E. Ford, A. Cairns, E. Bell, G. 53. Budge, and C. Dacre. A letter was received from Mr. M. A. Whitney, of the Colonial Ammunition Company, in which ho expressed a deep interest in the welfare (if the League, and informed the secretary that bo: himself an'PMr. Whitney, sen., wore desirous of becoming members. While on the subject of membership, Mr. Niccol informed those present that 50 were already on the list as associates and members, an 1 as it was desirable that the number should be increased as rapidly as possible, he hoped members would bring forward as many new candidates as possible. Ladies are also eligible, and it would bo well in tin oil as many ot the fair sex in tlieir rank" ■«* p -s-ible The question of obtaining di*iiii.".iishing badges for members of the League was discussed, and it was deckled that the secretary be instructed to write to London for one dozen brooches, to be distributed amongst the lady members as enlisted, and two dozen buttonholo studs for the male members, this being the style of badge selected from the list submitted. It. was decided that the next meeting of the League should be held on the third Thursday in February, when Mr. W. J, Napier will road a paper on " The Prosent State of the English Navy."

We understand tlia Mr. G. Lyon, lato of H.M. 89th Re,;iment, who served in the Crimean war, and who holds two medals for that campaign, lias now been granted a pension tor his services of 9J per day, Btidcran Act passed in the Imperial Parliament about three years ago, which shortened the term of servico which entitled tho«o serving in the Crimea to the pension. For the past threo years Mr. H. Crispe, of the Mauku, has been in correspondence (for the old veteran) with the Home authorities, from the Premier of England down, on tho abject. Many objections were raised, but the claim was too good to be resisted-any longer, and by last mail lie received word that the pension has been granted by the Chelsea Hospital authorities, who investigated such claims. "It will be satisfactory," says Mr. Criape, " to the recipient a» well as to his many friends, to find that the pension has been granted, and may it 'iv be a benefit to a good old soldier for the few remaining years of his life, is the wish of all. I hope this will encourage a "yone else who may have any claim, if everything is correct, to take heart and not D « put off, but peg away and never despair. 1' 1 have obtained any information that W 'H bo useful to there in this matter, they are welcome to it,"

Our Thames correspondent states that although the Native Laud Court opened on Tuesday with Mr. Edger and Major Scannell as judges, no business was done until yesterday, when a block of land named Kopuraruwai, at the Piako, was brought before the court for re-hearing. Meta Watene and Taipari, of theNgatimaru, Thame?, and the Ngatihako, Piako, are tlm contesting parties. The land had been previously awarded to the Thames natives, bub Judge Gudgeon, reversed the decision, awarding it to the Piako tribe. The case is exciting much interest' among the natives, and is likely to last some time. '

Yesterday morning a wedding of some interest took place at Bishopscourt, Parnell. Mr. Win. Thornton, ydungest'Son of the late Mr. D. B. Thornton (who was senior partner of the old Auckland firm of thornton, Smith, and Firth) was married to Miss Hilda Worsp, third daiightor bf Captain Worsp. Tito marriage cerehlotiy was" performed by His Lordship the Primata (Bishop Came). The bridesmaids were Misses Blanche and Daisy tyorsp, and the best man was Mr. H. E. Worsp, brother of the bride. Mrs. Thornton and Miss Thornton, mother and sister of tile bridegroom, ftbd Captain, Mrs., and Miss Worsp were also present. The wedding was a quiet one, that being; the desire of the contracting parties. The bridal pasty adjourned to the residence of Captain Worgp; where the wedding breakfast wag held. On leaving for the railway Station on their Wodding tour the happy couple Were pelted with rose leaves. They spend their honeymoon in the Wailtato. . The e.g. Rangatira from London, Captain Burton, lying at the Queen-street Wharf, was ablaze with bunting in honour of the event,

Mr. John Allen, of Hillside, Pukekohe, has left that district, and removed with his family to The Cliffs, Waingaro, near Raglan. Before leaving the office-bearers, members, and adherents of the Pukekohe Wesley an Church presented an illuminated address to Mr. and Mrs. Allen as a recognition of their valuable services in connection with the Church, and wishing them God-speed in their new surroundings. On their arrival at Ngarunwahia Mr. Allon and family were met by four of their new neighbours with waggons and horses, thus giving a practical expression of goodwill, by helping to convey the family and household goods to thoir new homo. It is a pleasing feature in new settlements to see such a friendly feeling manifested, and to find neighbours helping one another at a time when a little help and sympathy are most appreciated. Two years ago there was only a bridle track through dense bush to the Waingaro district, arid everything had bo be conveyed on pack horses. The conveyance of passengers and goods by waggons is therefore a sign of substantial progress in this rising and popular district.

Yesterday a boy named John Markey, employed in Martin's stables, while riding in Custom-street met with an accidenb. Tho horse stumbled and fell, and rolled over, the lad's leg being crushed, and receiving a nasty bruise on his thigh. He was taken to his home in Alpha Road, Parnell, in one of Martin's cabs. His injuries are not regarded as serious,

" W.G." makes the following suggestion : -" As it is a very desirable thing to get a footpath up Rangitoto, the Premier will no doubt give pound for pound, or possibly send down a detachment of hip Christchurch unemployed to do the work. It would do no harm to approach the Premier on the subject, especially after seeing whab has been done for Dunedin and Wellington in that direction."

The Ottthuhu School Committee have nominated Messrs. Theo. Cooper and M. Kirkbride as candidates for the forthcoming Education Board election. The committee have decided to hold the annual school picnic, on Wednesday, February 12, at Mr. Wm. McLaughlin's. Messrs. F. Andrew and Sons will unite with the School Committee and hold their picnic at the same time and place. Messrs. Andrew have most kindly consented to give the use of their vehicles and horses for this united picnic free of cost.— Correspondent.]

Gas and coke consumers ore reminded that Monday next, the 27th inst., is the last day on which discount can be allowed on their accounts.

The united mission servicos of the Rev, C. H. Yatman were continued yesterday. At half-past twelve lie addressed a meeting Of business men, in the Rooms of the rational Association, his subject being " Individuality," or individual work by business men. The discourse was an impressive one. In the afternoon, at halfpast three, in the Young Men's Christian Association, he continued his addresses to women, on "Woman and Her Special Work." There was a large attendance. In the evening the City Hall was crowded, and a number could not obtain admission. Mr. Yatman's subject was "Hell." The address was a forceful and orthodox presentation of the doctrine of "Eternal Punishment," and the outcome was the largest number of inquirers at any of his meetings. Miss Kimmer sang several solos, and the singing of the choir and audience was of the heartiest description, yesterday, he_ represented the heed of relieving the Young Men's Christian Association of the heavy burden of debt upon it, and it was stated that if £2350 wero wiped off the finances would be brought into easy and manageable compass, and the institution made selfsupporting. Mr. Yatmiin met the Finance i omraittee, and it was decided to go ahead. He has received promises to tho extent of £1725 towards that amount in large donations, besides smaller sums. Mr. Y»tm»n urges that before he leaves Auckland next week the whole amount shall be raised, leaving a practical side of the benefits of his mission, besides the other good work done. To day he will hold his meetings as above— business men, to women in the afternoon in the Y.M.C.A., and in the City Hall in the evening, his subject being " Heaven." On Sunday evening, in order to make provision for accommodating the public, art overflow meeting will be held from the City Hall in the Opera House, Mr. Abbott having kindly given the use of it. Mr. Yatman will address both meetings, and his subject will at each be " Tho Pathway of Life" (illustrated).

In the Wesley Hall last flight, Mr. A. B. Maslon delivered a lecture on "Palestine: Tho Divine Wonderland." The building was comfortably filled, and the lecturer was listened to with the greatest attention and interest throughout. Many places familiar to readers of Holy Writ were graphically described, and remarkably fine photographs of them wero thrown oil a screen by a powerful magic lantern, To-night a lecture will be delivered on "Jerusalem, The City of the Great King."

No prophet was needed to foretell that a large and brilliant house would greet Madame Steinhauer Bahnson and her concert company on Monday evening last, and there is every indication that her successes will be repeated at the two extra concerts which are to be given at the same place on Monday and Tuesday next. Madame Bahnson's extraordinary vocal gifts and her complete mastery of the art of singing are well known in Auckland. In her coloratura singing not a note is blurred, tho most rapid runs and trills being given with fluteliko power of expression, while in her exposition of musical humour Madame has also proved herself a thorough artiste. The concerts promised next week should not be missed by those who appreciate good music.

The usual fortnightly social of the Caledonian Society was held last nighb in the Foresters' Hall, Newton, Mr. W. Davis presiding. There was a good audience nnd tho programme submitted was of a very popular character, each item gaining loud applause. Those most appreciated Were the songs "Search tho Pago of History" and "Partners,'' by Mr. Chas. Moore; a dance by Mr. Worth; "Queen of. the Earth," and " Only Once More," by Mr. 0. Howson; and a duet, Man, Poor Man," by Messrs. Collins and Browne. The other items were:—"The Ship that Carries me home to-day," Mr. White: "When Other Lips," Mrs. Murray; "Nail the Colours to the Mast," and "Tableaux ViviAnts," Mr. Baxter; Irish jig, Master H. Follas, accompanied by Mr. A. Follas on tho accordion. Messrs. J. H. Scotb and Bragge officiated at the piano with entire satisfaction, "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very enjoyable concert to a close, and the usual dance followed, Mr. Davis acting as M.C.

Tirj Tivoli Musical Comedy Company and Miss Vaughan's Amazons will unitedly give a performance in the City Hall to-morrow evening, when an entirely new programme will be submitted. It is the intention of the new partnership to perform two or three nights a week, introduring musical comedy, variety, and burlesque, from time to time.