LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10044, 3 February 1896, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Is the last issue of the Gazette the figures of the postal revenue are published for the quarter ended December 31, and tome of the items are worthy of remark. ]c would naturally be supposed that the four principal towns would be nearly alike in the principal items of postal business, bub considerable diversity exirts. The amount received at Auckland for money orc'.jr commission during the quarter amounted to £716 16s; at Christchurch, i'3S4 3s 3d ; at Dunedin, £131; at Welling ton, £631. For stamps sold the amounts were : Auckland, £6237 12s 6Jd ; Christchurch, £5128 los 7d ; l>unedin, £5135 5s 11 id ; Wellington, £8170 Is 9}d. In postal note commission, Auckland is also ahead of every city. In the number of tolegram* Auckland stands 93,832; Christchurch, 52,165; Dunedin, 61,908; Wellington, Ji'3,511. In the Postal Savings Hank Department there war, an excess of withdrawals over deposits in the following places:-Blenheim, Gisborne, Greymouth, Timaru, Whanganui, Wellington, Westport. This is an unfavourable sign. An ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board will be held to-morrow. Business: Ordinary, and .Mr. E. Bell to move, "That •o much of the special committee's report idopted by the Board upon the 19th day of December, 1892, beat once carried out, in so far as it applies to the dredging of the basin and the construction of the proposed jetties numbered 3 and 4, subject, however, to the following modifications: 1. That the size of No. 3 jotty be altered to 500 by 90 feet, and No. 4 to 400 by 91 feet. 2. That steps be taken to expedite the dredging of the basin. 3. That in order to provide funds for carrying out the above proposals, piwer be obtained to alter the allocation cf the £100,000 authorised to be rni=ed by the Board for the purposes scheduled in the Auckland Harbour Board Loan Act, 1886." Thero wero several scrub fires on Saturday, both in the Northcote district and at the base of the U'aitakorei Ranges. The sun sank in the west in tho haze of smoke, a most singular spectacle—a blood-red globe—while the northern side of the harbour, when the night set in, wa3 obscured by a bank of smoke. Yesterday, the weather teemed threatening, and the wind blew northerly all day. Towards dusk, a shower of rain fell, which cooled the earth and tho air somewhat, but the weather subsequently cleared up. A shower or two would be most grateful now, as the earth is so parched by the reccnt hot weather. Riki Tatahunga, better known as King Dick, a physically deformed native, with a good English education, died at the Ngatirangi farm, near Whareroa, Tauranga, last week, and a big tangi is now being held. Riki had been ailing for some time, and his illness wasascribed to witchcraft, broughton, it is said, because he appeared as advocate against his own people in a land court cafe in the Urewera district, and married ono of the women there. Becoming homesick, he left the woman of his choice and returned to Tauranga, where the illness which caused his death seized upon him, and as soon as the tohunga put it down to makutu no hopes were held out for his recovery. We have received a letter from Miss Sarah A. Painter, 67, Maple Avenue, Manbatten Park, New Jersey, United States, making anxious inquiries regarding her sister, who came to New Zealand 16 years tgo as a domestic servant, and went to live ac Mr. Branston's opposite the Star Hotel. Her name is Eliza Bunting. A photograph of Eliza Bunting, taken at Clarke Bros, studio, Queen-street, Auckland, has been forwarded. Any information given to us will be sent on to Miss Painter. The Maori prisoner, Rore Rakana, charged at Mangnnui wit-** stealing letters from a mail bag, has escaped from custody. The police are searching for him, but 80 far as is known unsuccessfully. The evil smell from the Freeman 1 * Bay intake, with the wind blowing northerly, . eould be felt, yesterday, all round the neighbourhood and fully half-way up Franklin Koad. A telegram was received yesterday by Inspector Hickson from Constable A brains, of Waipu, stating that tho man Williams was charged with horse-stealing at Hakaru, and committed for trial. No further particulars have come to hand. Tho young man, Albert Hill, living in Pacnuro, who broke his leg by slipping i from a cart, is progressing favourably at the j. Hospital. J

1 J The death of Mr. R. L. Garland, ol Mauku, under somewhab singular circumstances, is reported by' Constable MoGovern, of Pukekohe. Ib seems that about three months ago Mr. Garland was, ib is alleged, suspected of having designs on his life, and was examined by medical men with a view to his committal to tho Asylum, but they did nob consider themselves warranted on his examination in ordering him to be committed. However, since thab time he has boon attended by Dr. Clouston, of Wainku, and an attendant engaged to watch over him. It is said that on the 30th ult. he got a sleoping draught, and on the following day took an overdose, which caused his death in the afternoon. An inquest was to have been held on Saturday, but the result has nob reached town. Mr. Garland is stated to have ownod a large amount of property in the Mauku districb, and it is conjectured had an income of nearly £30,000 per annum. Be had no relatives in New Zealand, and leave* a wife and daughter living in England. Mr. W. Thome, of Auckland, has been acting as his solicitor. Tho Maori King, Mahufcu will, ibis stated, hold the Kingite Parliament at Kawhia in March next. It is expooted there will be a Urge gathering of nabives. A child named George Barnoy O'Shannessy, four months old, died vestorday morning at the residence of Miss McGowan, Lower Hepburn-street. Ib was boarded out under the Infants' Life Protection Act, and had been delicate from birth. In such cases the Act makes an inquest compulsory. Dr. Philson has been notified of the circumstances, and will hold an inquest to day. On enquiry at the Crown Lands Office as to the fires in Puhipuhi forest, the Commissioner (Mr. Mueller) stated that he had received no telegrams from the rangers there, and that in his opinion the roports had been greatly exaggerated. There were fires, of course, in tho district, but he did not believe that the Puhipuhi forest proper had been touched by fire. Ho had endeavoured to get the gumdiggers excluded in the dry season, to provent the danger of fires, butthoy had taken out miners' rights, which enabled them to go prospecting, and it was difficult to prove when they wore roaming about whether they were prospecting or gumdigging. Dr. McArthur, of Auckland, has been asked to report on his recent examination of the Boys' High School, Napier. The Hawke's Bay Herald says that " the report will nob, we think, be read with so much surprise as regret. Everybody who has taken any interest in scholastic matters in this district has been aware that the Boys' High School has been in a very unsatisfactory state for a long time past. Parents —and even some of the High School Governors themselves—have marked thoir senso of dissatisfaction by sending their boys off to seminaries in other parts of the colony." On Saturday Sergeant Gamble, Mr. Samuol Cox, and Constable Bezar, went on board H.M.s. Katoomba with a view of identifying the men concerned in the fracas at Mr. Cox's restaurant, Queen-street, on Thursday night last. One sailor was arrested at the time, and other two were picked out of tho Katoomba. Inspector Hickson had decided, so as not to inconvenience the warship, which leaves to day, that tho men should be left to be dealt with by the commanding officer, and this was done. The trees in Franklin Road have now all been pruned and mulched. Ib is intended in tho season to re-plant those which have been maliciously Injured or broken down with high winds. On the whole they have thriven very well, and in a year or two will give very grateful shade to pedestrians both in that thoroughfare and in Patersonstreet, where they are similarly planted. While riding along Victoria Road, Devonport, a young man, Wm. Marshall, had his leg broken through his horse shying on to the footpath and falling on him. Dr. Roberts attended to Marshall's injuries, and he was then taken no his home. The children of the Parnell Orphan Home have returned from Motutapu, having camped out on that island for tho past six weeks. Messrs. Reid Bros, were very attentive to the little folk during their stay. The Devonport Ferry Company sent a special steamer, Mr. James Martin, of Parnoll. gave 'buses and brakos to convey the children to Parnoll, and Messrs. Winstone Bros, waggons to transport the luggago. The Defence Minister kindly gavo the use of some tents belonging to the Defence Department. 1 It will bo seen by our advertising columns that on Saturday next the railway authorities will run a special excursion to the Kaipara Meads, thus affording picnics both by land and water. Tho return fare (including rail and steamer) is only 5s 6d. A special train to connect with the p.s. Osprey will leave Auckland at 6 50 a.m., reaching Helensville at 9 a.m., and returning at 6 p.m. from Helensville, will reach Auckland at 8 p.m. Passengers by the last excursion to the Heads were delighted with the outing, and expressed surprise that the marvellous beauty of the scenery was so littie known. A man named Robert McMillan was admitted to the Hospital on Saturday from Helensville, having had his hand badly crushed in an engine at thab township With reference to the fire in Albertstreet, Onehunga, a subscription list has been taken round, and a sum obtained which will materially assist Mrs. Williamson and hor family. The usual evangelistic service was held at the City Hall last evoning. Mr. Thomas Buddie presided. Mr. W. Shepherd Allen, from Waikato, gave an address from the passage," Behold, the bridegroom cometh." One of the most remarkable curiosities on record is now on view nt tho Metropolitan Hotel, in the form of five balls ot about fire inches in diameter and twelve in circumference, which wore recently taken from tho stomach of a young steer about eighteen month* old. The surfaco of the balls is hard and smooth, and the outward appearance somewhat resembles the egg of an emu, with the exception of the fact that thoy are round instead of oval. The whole would probably not weigh more than a couple of pounds, and on being thrown to the ground they give forth a somewhat hollow sound, and rebound like a cricket ball. The beast was the property of Mr. John Denize, of Onehunga, and was grazed in a paddock at the back of a barber's shop, ib being assumed that the balls are composed of the sweepings of human hair which ib had oaten from time to time, the churning process being responsible for their present shape and appearance. The animal died some three weeks back, and on being opened the balls woro taken from the stomach. Queen's College, Ponsonby, of which Dr. A. McArthur is principal, furnished six successful candidates at the December Matriculation Examination, the results of which have just been published. Their names are E. Alison, J. M. Darby, E. W. Davis, F. J. Davis, A. M, Field, and T. F. Warren. This result is very creditable, and the more so as ib is the first time the candidates have been presented for the examination. At the Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. H. W. Northcroft, S.M., an order was made against Henry Stallibrass thab he should pay 10s per week towards the maintenance of his illegitimate child. Mr, G. N. Brassey appeared for the complainant, Carl Schachoohabel, a foreigner, aged about 30, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for having committed a grossly indecent act at the Queenstreet Wharf on January 31. Honry Davy was remanded to Wanganui on a charge of failing to comply with an order of the Court. A charge against David Rundell of having obstructed a police officer in the execution of his duty was withdraw by Sergeant Gamble, " Why Workingraen Don't Go to Church" was the subject of a lecture delivered Inst night in the Theosophieal Rooms, Queenstreeb, by Mr. Draffin. There was,a very good attendance of members, and Mr. •Sanders presided. Mr. Draffin dealt with tho question in a very clear and popular style. To.morrow evening the PonsonbyCrickeb Club will hold their annual concert in All Saints' School-room, when a mosb attractive vocal and instrumental programmo will bo presented. Amongst the contributors are Mrs.Keary, Miss Davis, Herr Zimmermann, Air. F. Innes, Mr. Schatz, and the Waiata Quartette Club. The second part of tho entertainment consists of ft comedietta, entitled "Sold by Auction," in whieh several well-known local amateurs will WW, ....

Yesterday afternoon Dr. Emily Brainerd Ryder gave her announced address on " The Child Wives of India." The Rev. H, Bull presided, and the Rev. A. Peters was also on the platform. There were about 1000 people present. I)r. Ryder stated that she had been five years practicing her profession in India, though she originally went tbero for rest, and through usinpj her medical skill gob an Insight into Hindu domestio life which could nob otherwise be obtained. She presented a graphic picture of the degradation and misery which fell to the lot of the Indian wife, who was obliged to be married before eight years of age, as enjoined by their religion, and sent to the homo of her husband. If suitable husbands could not be found for tho girls In a family in their own caste, they might be sold (after the eldest girl was married) to the highest bidder. Some of these girls, at six or eight) years of age, were sold to men of 40 and up to 80 years of age, even to lopers, and sent to the homes of their husbands. Many child wives died of brutal marital treatment, or committed suicide. Tho Hindus did not believe that women had souls, and it was only by their dying and becoming reincarnated in another life as men that they would possess souls. Dr. Ryder stated that Sir Andrew Salte's Bill was merely eduoative, in enabling a father to keep his daughter till twelvo, but it would nob proteot one child wife in a million, as legal proof had to be given of age. As there was no legal registration of births, it was impossible to prove tho eal age of the girl, against the corrupt tastimony of the husband or the parents. An agitation was now going 011 In India to give the Indian maiden the same protection as the English maiden, as they lived under the samo Government and the same Queen. It had been said that this was interfering with the Hindu religion, and the Government had pledged itself nob to do that. But the Government had stamped out suttee (burning of widows) which was one of the most sacred religious duties of tho Hindus, because it was demanded by ] civilised men and women. Government had thus power and willingness to act, and it also demonstrated that law could be enforced where there was a sufficient publio sentiment to demand ib. The Indian Government would proteot tho little ({iris of India just so soon as tin intelligent men and womon of the world demanded protection for them. Dr, Ryder explained how the agitation would be oarried on parallel with the missionary lines, bub on strictly legal and medical lines, for thab would have to be the policy if the agitation were to succeed. In every city would bo established a "Little Uives of India Cirole," with its president, secretary, and treasurer, in touch with the Colonial Association, and the head Association in India, where tho funds would go to carry on the propaganda. At the closo of the meeting a Circle was formed to carry oub the objects indicated. This afternoon, at three o'clock, Dr. Ryder will civo the last of her course of health lectures in the City Hall. The first meeting of the newly-formed juvenile lodge of Oddfellows, " Loyal AleLeod," the only one of tho kind in connection with the Manchester Unity—was held on Saturday evening in the District Chambers, Cook-street Hall. Brother P.P.G.M. J. I.oydon acted as Grand Master, and the other officers present wero, Brothers Owen, Kiel, Wheatloy, and Rider, Brother John McLeod, president, aftor whom the lodge is called, was also present and addressed the children and their parents on the benefits, etc., of the order. There were some thirty odd candidates passed for initiation and thab ceremony was performed by Brother Leydon, who also spoke a fow words to the juvenile brethren. Judging from the interest taken in the proceedings, both by parents and children, and from tho numbers present the lodge should have a lengthy and prosperous career before ib. The weekly entertainments provided in the City Hall by the Tivoli Company and the Amazons still hold a high place in public favour, and on Saturday both the attendance and the merit of the programmo were oxcollont. "Our Picnic Party," with which the bill opened, was very naturally staged, and Mr. Fred Royd, as the host, kept Che fun going furiously, The picnickers acquitted themselves credibably without exception, and more particularly Misses Roy and Thornton, and Messrs. Collins and Brown. "Silver Palls," by Mr. Johnny Collins, " Massn'a Wedding Night," by Mr. Miller, and' MissGroubor'a Boarding house," by Mr. Karl Browne, elicited much applause. The second part was equally successful, and included a new ballet named after Dll Maurier'e heroine, and muok-talked-of young lady, Trilby. "The Wise Man from the Back Blocks," an amusing farco, bronght a very enjoyable performance to a close. Mr. E. J. Burke and his orchestra contributed much to tho pleasure of tho audience by thoir beautiful music. The Northcote ferry steamer Alexandra broke hor shaft on Saturday afternoon, but was enabled to work down to the forry toe near the Queon-street Wharf, another of the steamers taking up her running. Repairs will bo effected to-day.