LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10130, 13 May 1896, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

His Excellency the Governor, tht Countess of Glasgow, and the vice regal party, have accepted the invitation to be present this evening at the ball given by the St. George's Rowing Club in the Choral Hall. The function promises to be a most successful one. A party of men weri busily engaged yesterday in getting the hall tastefully decorated.

It was stated at the meeting of the Auckland Acclimatization Society yesterday that the alteration in the licenses for selling game, which renders it necessary not only for ,4 dealer to take out a £5 license, but also those who sell, had not originated with the Auckland Acclimatization Society; in face they lost £25 of revenue by the change. Ie was brought about by a private member of Parliament, who did not represent an Auckland constituency.

At a preliminary meeting of several Road Board held in Cairn's Public Hall, EUerslie. it was decided to convene a meeting ol chairmen and members of nil the Road Boards in the County of .Edjn, to be held in the meeting room of the Metropolitan Hotel, Auckland, on a date which will be duly announced, to discuss the proposed Local Government Bill circulated last year. The local M.H.R .'s will be invited to be present.

Our Whangarei correspondent writes The census returns for Whangarei show an increase of 900 odd, and this is chiefly owing to settlement in the out district!. The total population of the county will now be over 7000. During the next year there is likely to be great activity in the timber and mining industries, bo the chances are that population will increase at a faster rate still.

With reference to the fire in Wellesleystreet West yesterday morning, which destroyed a ten-roomed dwelling-bouse recently acquired for the proposed " Rescue Home " by the Helping Hand Mission, it appears that the premises were to be vacated to-day by the tenant, so as to enable the property to be handed over to the Helping Hand to-morrow. A £10 deposit had been paid in the meantime. Mr. Brigham, who is away at Wellington, is stated to be trusted for the property, and had re insured in the North German office for £300. It appears that a section of the resident* in the neighbourhood had strong objections to the establishment of a Rescue Home in that locality, and a petition had been got up, signed by nearly one hundred residents in Wellesley - street West, Sale, Victoria, and Kelson .streets. The following is the text of the petition "Auckland, Way 9, 1896. Mr. A. C. Brown, secretary of the Rescue Work ol the Helping Hand Mission, Auckland. Dear Sir,—We, the undersigned tenants and property owners in Wellesley-streec West, and surrounding locality, object, in the strongest manner to the establishment of a Rescue Home in the neighbourhood of our properties, which we understand it ii your intention to establish. We do this, not from any want, of sympathy with tht object in view, but from a conviction that tlib place and locality is unsuitable, and that it will seriously interfere with our personal comfort and the value of our properties." This petition, or protest, was to hare been considered at a meeting of the committee yesterday, but was rendered unnecessary by current events. We understand that the promoters of the Night Shelter for Homeless Women intend to go on with their enterprise, notwithstandinj the unfortunate circumstance of the fire and are now looking out for suitable pro mifea in the neighbourhood of Freeman' Bay.

Mr. John Joseph Benicon, proprietor 1 the Exchange Hotel, Princes-street, Onehunga, met with a painful accident yesterday, whereby both bones in his right arm were broken. Mr. Benison was riding his sister's pony to the Recreation Reserve a* Waikaraka, and when nearly opposite the residence of Mr. McGahan the pony shied and threw its rider violently on to the hard road, with the result as stated above. Hit injuries were attended to by Dr. Er&jn-

The police authorities have lived information that six natives have en committed at Mongonui for sheep Stealing, and will be brought on to Auckland if bail is not forthcoming. J On Monday, a gumdigger named Charles Burley, who, riding on a dray laden with bay, coming from Papakura to Otahuhu, met with a painful accident), Near the Tamaki Bridge he fell from the top of the load on to the roadway, receiving severe injuries to hie head. He was carried to the residence of Mr. F. Andrew (of Andrew and Sonß, coach proprietors) he received every care and attention, Dr. Rowley was sent for, who ordered Budey's removal to the Hospital. The firm the patient brought into the Hospital in one of their traps.

A report has been circulated that the information on which the police authorities acted in the case of Constablo Russell procured from Mr. W. L. Simpson, a night watchman employed by a numbor of Kara> ngahape Road shopkeepers, and it has done him considerable pecuniary damage. We have ascertained on enquiry that the report is v?holly unfounded. Sergeant Gamble applied to Mr. Simpson for in* formation, and he refused to give any, as he did not desire to be mixed up in the case. He then received a missive from Inspector Hickson, insisting on his attendance at the enquiry. The information obtained by Sergeant Gamble it seems was got from a wholly different source.

At the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. H. W. Northcroft, S.M., Thomas William Seaman was remanded for eight days, on several charges of having stolen certair moneys, the property of the Pukea:ua Road Board, and Birkenhead Borough Council, totalling £11 13s Bd. Mr. McAlister appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Laishley for the accused. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £50, and one of £100. Mr. T. C. Turner had a batch of drivers up for driving round Street corners at other than a walking pace, and several for failing to carry proper and sufficient lights. In each instance a tine of 5s with 7s costs was inflicted. A lad named Braslin was charged with the theft of a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco, and 4s s![d in money, of the total value of £6 18s 5Jd, the property of Walter McNaughton, Symond street, and the case was adjourned to see how he would behave in the future. A man named John Hogan, owner of a cow found trespassing on the railway line at Newmarket, was fined Is, with £1 8s costs.

Another old identity, in the person oi Mr. Alexander Thomas Harris, passed away yesterday afternoon. He arrived in this colony sfi years ago with Governor Hobson, and was for many years manager of the Kawau copper mines. He continued there in charge of the island after the mines were closed, and after it? purchase by bir George Grey he was retained by him as overseer. He will also be remembered as the licensee of the old Perth and Dundee Hotel, Victoriastreet. He has lately resided on the Great North Road, and spent most of his leisure at work iu the garden, in which he took great interest. Last week he caught & cold, which developed into acute bronchitis and pleurisy. After about four days' illness his long and useful life was brought to a close. Deceased was married in old St. Paul's Church 47 years ago. He leaves a widow, three sons, four daughters, and 34 grandchildren to mourn their loss. The funeral will leave his late residence, Archhill, Great North Road, to morrow afternoon, at half-past one o'clock, for Waikomiti.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Women's Liberal League was held in the Wesley Hall last evening, before a fair attendance of members. The president, Mrs. Johnstone, occupied the chair. After the usual routine of business had been transacted, the president- referred to the serious illness of the late president, Mrs. Kerr, and expressed the deep regret and sympathy of the League. Two new members were elected and six proposed. A motion proposing that a register signed by members be instituted, was carried. A paper on "The Chinese Question," written by Mrs. Bullock, president of the Wanganui Women's Franchise League, was then read by Miss Allsopp, the writer being strongly in favour of shutting out the Chinese. It was pointed out that the entry of Europeans to China and Japan, and the influx of Asiatics to these colonies were not at all analogous, for the Europeans or English who went to China or Japan were merchants or missionaries, men not likely to interfere with their working classes, whereas, if the Chinese and Japanese came to the colonies they would at once compete with the European working classes. Discussion on the paper, which was not only lengthy, but ably argued, was postponed until next meeting.

The following notice of motion has been tabled by Mr. Julian for next meeting of the City Council," That the sewer from Napier-street to Wellington-street be com pleted forthwith." The estimated cost is £350, and the length of the sewer to be made 450 feet.

Last evening the Rev. A. H. Collins, delivered a lecture in the Ponsonby Baptist Church, under the auspices of the Christian Endeavour Society, on "The Chinese Opium Traffic." There was a fair attendance. The Kiev. F. Warner presided. The lecturer narrated the story of how the opium was forced upon the Chinese at the instance of the Indian Government by an unjust war, and that the Chinese Emperor preierred to tight to allowing his subjects to be debauched by a so-called Christian Government. The Indian Government obtained several millions of revenue per annum out of the accursed traffic. Sir. Collins eloquently described the moral and physical wreckage which resulted from the "opium habit" both among the Chinese and European?. On the motion of Mr. Arthur Jones, seconded by Mr. iNaiikerris, hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the lecturer and the chairman. A number of Chinese, and Mr. Joseph Lue (Chinese missionary) were presont, and the former sang a couple of hymns in the Chinese language before and after the lecture.

The New Zealand Baptist for May con tains the following paragraph, which will interest some of our readers An unhappy controversy has been taking place in the English religious papers concerning Dr. Pierson and the Tabernacle. Dr. Pierson was baptised by Dr. James Spurgeon, and at a subsequent welcome meeting held at Croydon, gave an addret-s, which was open to grave objection. Strong exception was taken to his statements in many quarters, and it appeared as though the painful experience through which the Tabernacle Church had passed was to be repeated. Dr. Pierson has, however, since published a long letter, in which he expresses regret that meanings he did not intend were put into his words. He admits the unwisdom of some of his statements, and does his best to set at rest all iurther controversy. He does not intend to take any pastorate again. Ho has the utmost confidence in Mr. Thomas Spurgeon, and appeals to his friends to loyally support him in the great work at the Tabernacle. It is earnestly to be hoped that this letter will finally settle the unfortunate incident.

The second meeting of the session of the Athenaeum Literary and Debating Society was held at the Young Men's Christian Association last evening. Six new members were elected. The business of the evening was elocution. The programme was in the hands of Mr. Ralph Potter, who commenced the proceedings with a short essay, dealing with the importance of effective reciting and oratory. Items were rendered as follow :— ' Karl, the Martyr' and ' Wilfred Denver's Dream,' Mr. W. Moore; 'The Grave of Napoleon,' Mr. F. M. Hay; 'Joseph Seig,' Mr. Osmond; 'The Old Card-maker,' Mr. T. F. Hill; 'The Amateur Rider,' Mr. J. H. Gregory ; 'Elder McNab,' Mr. R. Dunne; 'Not Understood,' Mr. R. Potter. Short criticisms followed.

The committee sent by the American Board of Foreign Missions to investigate the condition of tyieir work in Japan, has completed its labours, and published its report. In substance, it advises that the Board shall continue its labours in Japan, but not to send new labourers there, oxcept under extraordinary circumstances. This means the ultimate withdrawal of the missionaries after a torm of years. The committee found the reports as to the spread of heterodox viows greatly exaggerated. The number of pastors and teachers who have departed from the orthodox faith can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and these have all beeu partly educated in ( Europe and America.

About half-past six o'clock last night a man was seen to fall or jfirnp over the North Shore ferry tee. A cry of " man overboard" was raised, and although it was dark and a heavy sea running, owing to the north-easier, a tramway conductor about 18 years of ape, named George Morris, residing in Wellington-street, at once jumped in to the rescue. Constable Mulvaney, hearing the outory, ran tor the lifebuoy, but some bystander had already gob it, and it was thrown to Morris, who secured the man. After the man had been haulod up, Morris swam to the steps, and trot ashore. The man, who was found to be dressed simply in his pyjamas, was taken to the Hospital for medical treatment. He gave his name as Thomas Thomas, a draper, residing in Nelson-street. He has boen suffering from illness, and was attended by Dr. Bayntun. So far as could be ascertained, he had come down in the darkness from his residence, Nelson-street, thus lightly clad, as if he had just risen out of bed, and does not appear to have been noticed on the mad. Great credit is due to the young tram conductor for his promptitude and courage.

Our Waingaro correspondent) writes A very serious accident, which was near ending fatally, happened to one of our earliest settlers, Mr. Burgess, of the Iverikeri, on the 4th May. Mr. Burgess, accompanied by his son, a lad of about fifteen years, drove a mob of sheep from his farm to Ngaruawahia, to send to Remuera, returning on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Burgess rode in front, and was some distance ahead of his eon when he came to the Kerikeri crossing (almost within sight of Mr. P. Wilspu's residence) without anyone seeing him ; but the eon was seen afterwards approaching, and Mr. H. Wilson at once ran down to the stream to warn the boy not to cross, it being in flood. He then said, "But how did my father get over, then?" Mr. Wilson stated that they had not seon him ; so at once a search was made, and after some time he was seen floating down stream among the bouldersopposite the site of the old mill. Mr. T. Wilson and his two sons at ouce went down on one side, and young Burgess on the other, with all haste, and as he was passing near the bank young Burgess succeeded in laying hold of him. They at once found that he was almost in an unconscious state, clutching at anything in his wild endeavour to save himself. Mr. Wilson and his sons carried him to choir house, and every attention was given him; and he was able, with assistance, to return to his home the following day, being in a fair way to recovery.

A New Zealander at present in London writes by the last mail " The 'levelling down 1 cry of Seddon and Co. has done more injury to the colony in London than will be easily remedied, arid were it not for your rich goldfields—that the present powers and Government are not to be thanked for—New Zealand would receive but short shrift in London. If tho present '■overnment remain much longor in power in New Zealand, the colony will nob need ' millions of pounds' for maritime protection, for the reason that her strongest protection will be her insignificance. In this country, when the last general election was on the tapis, and the prospect of the 'levellers down ' being ejected from power, confidence became restored and trade became

prosperous. It may be hoped that the electors in the colony from one end to the other will remember this at the elections not far distant."

Last Saturday afternoon Mr. J. F. Bennett, teacher of music, assisted by his pupils, gave a valedictory musical afternoon to Miss Maggie Logan, who has been studying music under him for somo time, but who is leaving to-day with her parents for the Old Country. The following long and varied programme of music, consisting of piano quartettes, trios, duosfor two pianos and piano solos, was moat successfully carried through, and much appreciated by those invited. Mozart's' Sonata in D Major,' for two pianos, Miss Burfoot and Mr. Kingaford; Verdi's ' Brindisi,' Misa W. Little ; piano trio, Herold's overture to 'Zampa,' Misses Mabel Douglas, Ellie Bell, and Audrey Player; 'Stride la Varnpa,' Master P. Steele; selection from 'Bohemian Girl,' Miss Row; Donizetti's 'Fra Poco,' Miss and Master Little; 'Heather Bells Fantasia, Miss Carder; 'The Heart BGw'd Down,' Miss Ruth Runciman; fantasia on Sullivan's 'Gondoliers,' Miss Maggie Logan ; piano quartette,' Marche Roligieuse'( Wagner), Misses Player, Burfoot, Carder, and Mr. Kinesford ;' Robin Adair,' Miss Aggie Rew ; Weber's 'Polacca Brilianbe,' op. 72, Miss Edith Winstone; ' Rondoduo,' Miss Player and Mr. Kingsford ; Godard's 1 DeuxiSme Mazurk,' Miss Carder; Schumann's 'Slumber Song and Birthday March,' Miss Davis and Mr. Bennett; piano trio on airs from Donizetti': operas, Misses Bell and Logan; piano quartette, ' Diohter and Bauer (Von Suppe), Missos Torrance, C. Bell, Player, and Burfoot: Schumann's ' Merry Peasant' and ' Soldier's March,' Miss Ella Macky; ' Marche Imperiale,' Misses Clements, Steele, Kingsford, and Master Steele; ' Rondeau Brillant,' op. 62 (Weber), Mies Audrey Player; two pianos, Paderewski's' Minuet No. I,' Misses Logan and Carder; 'La Traviata,' Master Rew; Adagio and Prestissimo Movements op. 2 No. I,' Beethoven,' Mr. Charles Kingsford; 'Grand Marche de Tannhauser,' for two pianos, eight hands, Misses Player, Carder, Burfoot, and Mr. Kingsford. Songs wero sung by Mrs. Coatee, Miss Kate Best., and Messrs. Chambers and Martin. Muring an interval Mr. Bennett was presented by Mr. J. F. Logan on behalf of his numerous pupils with a handsome gold chain and pencil case.

The ninth of Mr. John Fuller's series of limelight concerts, entitled 'A Tour through the Lovely Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, and Sark,' was given at the City Hall last night before a crowded and decidedly appreciative audience, the undecided state of the weather apparently having little or no detrimental effect on the host of patrons who frequent the Tuesday evening ' pops. 1 The series of very fine stereoscopic views thrown on the sheet by Mr.l', E. Mackie were quite up to the usual high standard of excellence, and met with marked and well doserved approval, while the programme submitted, if anything, eclipsed its predecessors in point of merit, almost every item being emphatically re-demanded. Mr. John Puller was favourably received in hi* rendition of' The Blue Alsatian Mountains,' but a slight cold prevented that gentleman responding to a ■ re call; he also hid repeatedly to bow his acknowledgements after singing 'The Death of Kelson,'which wasillustrated with beautiful panatoreoramic effects. Miss Blanche Tobias, who made her first appearance at these concerts, established herself a favourite; her interpretation of ' Espanita,' proved this singer to be the possessor of a voice of great compass and flexibility, In response to an undeniable encore Miss Tobias sang 'On Venice Waters, 1 her contribution, ' Alas, Those Chimes,' at a later stage also was redomanded. Mr. R. H. Butterby'a fine bass voice was heard to great advantage in 'I Fear No Foe,' and ' A Voice from the Ocean,' his response to the former item being "In Happy Moments.' Miss Marie Quinn earned much favour by h§r rendition of 'It Was a Dream'; the number was a most happy one for a full display of the power and quality of her pure, even soprano voice. In reply to a recalli she gave Millard's ' Say not Farewell." MiHs Quinn's second contribution, ' Oh, How Delightful,' called for repeated acknowledgments, as did also the duet, ' Life's Dream is O'er,' by the Misses Quinn and Tobias; the audience would not be satisfied until a repetition of t|ie last verse was given. The good old English trio, ' The lied Cross Knight,' by Messrs. John and Walter Fuller and R. H, Buttery, was another item that met with no small measure of success. This trio was entered at Stationers Hall on May 12,1790, just exactly a century ago yesterday—a rather remarkable coin* cidence. Mr. Albert Lucas, as usual, proved a great success in his recital of the dramatic poem "The Bells,'' though indisposition prevented his replying to a unanimous demand for an encore. Mr. Walter Fuller played the accompaniments, and Mr. Ben Fuller safely piloted the audience on their interesting tour,

The Monthly Record (Y.M.C.A.)for May is to band. "A Cruise of & 3-tonner is concluded. A letter is published from pie Kev. W. Malcolm, 0.1.M., dated Taiho, January 25bh, in which ho narrates "} 8 labours in the mission field. Reference is made to the various agencies of the Association and also to tho World's Students' Christian Federation. Th» selected litersj ture is instructive.; -■:* ■' " . '

In St. Matthew's Schoolroom last night a well-attended meeting was held in connection with the Church Missionary Association of New Zealand, and a deputation was present from the headquarters ab Nelson, namely, the Rev. P. C, Chatterton and Mr. Holloway, the latter of whom is honorary secretary of the body. The Rev. L. FitzGerald introduced the visitors, and spoke of the good work done by the parish "Gleaners' Society," a band of workers forming a branch of the Association. Mr. Holloway gavo an account of the New Zealand Association from the time it was founded three years ago by officers of the parent Association in England, and stated that already live missionaries had boen sent foith from this colony under its auspices. For she proper carrying on the work it was necessary, he said, that there should be more support, and he hoped it would be accorded. The Rev. F. C. Chatterton gave an interesting description of life in Japan, and his pleasant narrative was illustrated by a number of fascinating views thrown on a Bcreen by limelight. A co'lection was taken up to defray incidental expenses. This evening a similar meeting takes place at St. Mark's, Remuera.

The detailed programme of the entertainment entitled, "An Evening with our Famous Sacred Song and- Hymn Coin posers," to be given in the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle to-morrow evening appears elsewhere. Choioe selections from their tnastorpiooes will be rendered, illustrated by beautiful limelight pictorial effects. Among the vocalists are Misses Alice Rimmer, Butler, Wheeler, A. Brown, Mrs. C. B. Stone, Messrs. Arohdale Taylor, Higgot, and P.' R. I)ix. Mr, J. T. Garliok will act as lecturer. Miss Grindrod will recite " Beautiful Snow." There are also several choruses, and the grand finale consists of a representation of sacred statuary. The limelight scenio arrangements are in the hands of Mr. Charles Cooper, who will use his magnificent biunial instrument. The object of the entertainment is to raise funds to defray the cost of certain repairs to the Tabernacle. It is stated that the tickets are going off very fraoly, and a large audience is anticipated.

The inaugural meeting of the Onehunga Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was hold last night 111 the schoolroom. There was a fairly large audience present. The following officers wore duly elocted for the onsuing session President, Rev, S. Lawry; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. C. Fleming and H. J. Davies ; secretary, Miss Watkin; treasuror, Mr. Flint; editor of magazine, Mr, U. Fleming. In the absence of the president, Mr. C. C. Fleming was elected to preside. After an introductory address by the chairman, the following programme was presented and mot with much acceptance, each item being freely criticised : — Song, Mr. F. Riahworth ; pianoforte solo, Miss Fleming ; reading, Mr. H. J. Davies; recitation, Miss Watkin ; song, Miss Kimberly ; reading, Mr. Robins ; song, Mr, S. J. Watkin. At tiio conclusion of the •u'ogramtne, the Society proceeded to draw up a syllabus for the ensuing session.

At the Opera House, yesterday evening, Alf. Lawton's Variety Company was fairly well patronisod. Encores were quite the order of the evening, and in each instance were well deserved. The 'Skatorial King 1 caused great amusement, and the Mahers' impersonations of Irish character were decidedly clever, while the other artists ably sustained their respective parts.

Klaer's cirous proprietors repeated the previous evening's programme at the Agricultural Hall, last night, when there was again a good audience and the bill highly appreciated. La Petite Ethel's performances on the high trapeze evoked considerable applause and wonderment, and Mr. Bernard's specialties were very well received.