LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10406, 2 April 1897, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

An English mail, consisting of 35 bags arrives from Sydney by the Anglian on Monday next. The mail left London on February 26.

Writing on March 26 our Tongan correspondent eenda us tho following items of news:—Business has been no better during the month gone by, the cause being the same as I have unfortunately had to report for a year or more, namely, a scarcity of copra, which in its turn is now undoubtedly due to a short crop of nuts. Ic will, how ever, be two or three months before copra can be very plentiful, ana in the meantime we need not look for inuoh or any improvement in general trade. There ia a strong demand for the little copra that is coming In, and the value to-day owing to the compotition must be put down us equivalent to £9 2a 6d or £9 5s per Con f.o.b. The barque Lufra arrived hero on the 18th instant from Vavau to complete her cargo of copra. Beyond this and the usual calls of the Union Company's steamers there is no shipping new? of any importance. The health of the group continues good. Hor Majesty's Deputy-Commissioner has hail a bankruptcy cuso before his court recently, that of AJr. A. E. Cooke, whaler, of Haapai. The insolvency of the debtor is due to natural causes, namely, the scarcity of whales during the p-tsb few seasons; and he will have little difficulty in getting his discharge in due course. On the 17th instant, the anniversary of the King's coronation, Nukualofa was en fete. The usual regatta and sports were held, and in addition a series of lukakkes, or native dauoes, which were kept up with some spirit for a few days. On tho evening of the day itself the I'remier gave an official dinner, to which a select number of Europeans wore invited, and tho function passed off very successfully.

It is understood that the committee of the Harbour Board appointed to vieit and report on the propoced rifle range «b the North Shore were to do so yesterday. The riflemen are hoping that the Harbour Board will make up its mind shortly as to whnt it intends to do, so that prompt action may be taken to get the new range in order for the coming summer season, If there is any officialism or rod tapoism standing in the way, it will soon dampen the ardour of the ebootists, and lead to the new project ending in a fiasco. It) was to escape the blighting influences of red tapeism and officialism that the riflemen turned their back' upon the Government, and besought the Harbour Board to do a gracious thing promptly and cheerfully. An inquert will bo held to-day by Dr. Philson, coroner, on tho body of an infant named Henry, born on Tuesday last. It nppears that it was not attended medically, hence the necessity for an inquest. A young man named Joseph Motion, a tram conductor, met with n pninful accident on the oastern circuit. While a tram was running between Ep«oin and Newmarket, Motion slipped off while it was moving, and before he could recover himself a wheel went over one of hia feet. Ho was taken home, unci medical aid procured for him.

Ab the Police Court, on Wednesday afternoon, two men named George and William McCauley, wore charged with stealing 48 teapots, worth about £7, the property ol Messrs. Tanfield, Potter, and Co., hardware merchants. After evidence had beon heard, the accused were committed for trial by Mr. U. \V. Brabant, B.M.

Ib appears that Kawliia, like Coromandel and Kennedy's Bay, is attaining some celebrity as an anti-prohibition districb. About a fortnight ago races were held, and two polico recruits from Auckland, in plain clothes, made a raid on the district, the result) being that soven informations tor sly-grog selling wero laid, and on the following day Constable T»pp, with search warrants, proceeded to Kawhiu, whore ho was joined by Constable Forbes from Hamilton, District-conelablo Morgan of Kawhia, and the two Auckland lecnits. As a result of the raid about 100 bottles of beer, stout, etc., and two gallons of whisky, were taken possession of by the polico, and brought into Raglan. Six out of the seven informations aro against Maoris.

An inspection parade of the Prince Albert College Cadet Corps, tinder Captain Lowu, was held yesterday afternoon in the College grounds, Lieutenant Grant, Die-tricb-Acljutnnt, inspected the corps, and was attended by Sergeant-Major Carpentor. Owing to the Parnell Borough Council refusing to allow explosives to be taken to the Mount Eden magazine vin St. George's Bay Road, a temporary expedient has been arranged. It seems chut no by-law exists preventing oxplosives being conveyed via .Mechanics' Bay, and it is understood that the Auckland City Council and Harbour Board will not raise any objection pending further definite arrangements to the lauding and transport of oxplosives via Mechanics' Bay, provided that is done under the supervision of the police authorities. This arrangement! has beon made in order to meet tho caso of the s.s. Mainiui oxpeoted to arrive from London on Sunday, and having a quantity of explosives among her cargo.

Messrs. G. XV. Binnoy and Sons have received, tho following from their Sydney correspondent:—" Dear Sirs; Yours of the 15th March to hand and contents noted. We regret we cannot recommend any of your f rionds to send longwool rams hero for ihe July fair. Were the season a good one we couldn't recommend it, as crossbreeding has not caught on as it was oxpeoted to do. The condition of climate and rainfall are eo dissimilar that tho erosebredine has not gained much of a hold. Lincolns are the most (avowed of the breeds, and Southdowns leatt. In addition to tho indifference to lungwoold we are at present experiencing a severe drought Should wo at any futwo timo see any opportunity to fillip we will advise you."

A meeting of 6or,tlers interested in vinogrowing, tnok placo recently at Pahi, Albertlaud. A Vine-growing Association was formed. It was decided to despatch a draft letter, approved of, to tho Government, announcing iho formation of the Association, the acreage of vines already planted, and of the acres ready for planting next wintor. Tho Government are to be asked to import tho necessary vine outtings and distribute thorn gratuitously, landing them in Auckland, Thoy were also asked to establish an experimental vineyard, where the arb of wineinaking should be taught, at a small charge. Captain Calbeok has offerod the land for this purpose, gratuitously. The settlers are also sending in applications tor vine cuttings, 16,000 cuttings being applied for. A number of vines have been nlready planted, principally laabolla, Eight thousand cuttings were plnntod in nursery beds, last year, and land is now ready for planting them out. An announcement of a meeting of the Musical Students Association, of Auckland University College, appears in our advertising columns. This association has lately been formed among students of the School of Music for the purpose of mutual improvement, by tho discussion of musical subjects, and the performance of original composisitions. The Hon. Sir G. M. O'Rorke is patron to the Association, and the following officers have been elected ■ President, Professor Schmitt; secretary, Mr A. H. Stuart; treasurer, MUs Ettie E. Myers; musical director, Mr. J, H. Phillpob and a. committee of four, The meeting will take place at the Choral Hall, Symonds-street, on Monday evening next.

A working bee was held on Wednesday by the residents of Howigk in clearing and preparing the reserve near the beach ready for planting in the winter. A large number of settlers turned out on tbe occasion, the day being fine, and did excellent work. Monsignor McDonald and tbe Rev. Mr. Boler were conspicuous among the workers. A few days of similar work will make a great change in the surroundings at the beach reserve.

The encasement of Mr. Arch Wallace, An English tenor, who will appear at tne City Hall popular concert next Monday evening, ie announced elsewhere, Mr. Wallace comes with an excellent reputation, a> be is tht poteMWr of a dear and powerful tenor voice. • , :

The Pitt-street Wesleyancircuitquarterly meeting was held in the church parlour on Wednesday evening last. Present: Fife ministerial, and 35 lay officiuls, the Rev, H. Bull presiding. Membership returns showed 451 full members, 53 catechumens, two deaths, and two removals; Sundayschool, 1197 eoholara; 110 teachers. The balance-sheet showed a total deficit of £'.'OS 13>4 2d, and effective arrangements were made towards its liquidation Collections were authorised for the coming quarter. The matter of a "self-denial" week on behalf of Home Missions, as fixed by Conference, was relegated to a committee to be dealt with. The Rev. H. Bull, who occupied the chair on the last occasion prior to n year's rest, was tendered a hearty vote of thanks, coupled with sympathy and best wishes. Several members supported and expressed their appre ciation of his uniform kindness and courtesy. The Rev. T. W. Vealie, who is removing to Tauranga, was aleo the recipient of a vote of thanks. Valuable testimony being borne to the successful work accomplished during his three years' ministry. Words of welcomo wore tendered to tho Revs. W. J. Williams and A. Peters, who have been appointed to the circuit for the coming year. Votes of thanks were also accorded to these gentlemen for the faithful discharge of their duties in the past, and to the Conference representative?, Messrs. Gunson and Wheeler, all of which were suitably acknowledged. Intimation was given of arrangements for a special circuit service on Good Friday.

The bulk of the entries in connection with the Auckland Chrysanthemum Society's Annual Show, to be held at the Drill Hall, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next woek, have already been received by tho lion, secretary, Mr. Pitcher, However, as some little delay and difficulty is always caused in the reception of country entries, owing to the irregularity of the postal services, otc, it has been ilecidod to keep certain classes open for anothor day or two, to meet the convenience of enthusiasts in the out-districts, though it ia already understood thac the entries will prosont a record in point of number. It is al-o stated that between SO and 99 of tho varieties which have carriod off prizes at home and on tho Continent, will bo exhibited nexb week, a fact that «peaks well for the interesb and enthusiasm of the growers; notable amongst whom is Mr. Wells, of Cambridge, who, as last year, will be a largo exhibitor. Afternoon tea will be provided for ladies, and tho docorations have been entrusted to Mr. 'Ihco. Queereo. Hunter's Brass Band and the Savago Club orchestra will contribute musical items during the course of the show,

In the Newmarket Public Hall yestorday evening Mr, S. L, Rimmor lectured Ho a largo audionco on " The Second Coming of Christ." Tho lecturer referred to the prophecies of the second coining of Cbrisb in the Old and Now Tostnmonts, nnd showed how these prophecies had been and woro being fulfilled in the political iuhl social history of tho world. He concluded an interesting address by exhorting hie hearers to pub firm faith in the teachings and prophecies of the Bible,

Tho annual festival eerrice of the St. Matthew's branch of tho Church of England Teinporance Socioty was held last evening in St. Matthew's Church. There was a good attendance. Tho Vicnr conducted tho Hurvico, and Archdoacon Dudley preached from the toxt, " Be temperato in all things"—bo temponte in the uae of stimulants, etc., speech, and action. Ho complimented the Society on a successful gathering. The temperance hymns wero rendered by a largo choir, and processional and recessional hymns wore sun" an the choristers came in and left the building. The anthem was " Incline Thine Ear," the Holo being tastefully rendered by Miss Morrin. During the offertory a duot," Tho Lord is My Shepherd," was admirably sung by Mrs. and Miss Morrin. Tho collection was in aid of tho Temperance Society.

Tho dates for tho aitting of tho Assessment Court of the City of Auckland are lulvertisecl in another column. The hearing of objections for tho Ponsonby, Grafton, and Karangahapo Wards is lixed for April 13, and for tho North, South, and Easb Wards for April 14.

Tho opening meeting of the Work and Help Socioty (Helping Hand Mission) was held yosterday afternoon in tho Social Kootn of tho Young Men's Christian Association. There were a number, of ladies present, including Mrs. Sinclair, wifo of the Rov. W. A. Sinclair, of tho Helping Hand Mission, and Sister Kenneth. Tho work of preparing garments for tho poor for the coming winter was commenced, as it is found by experience each winter thab such gifts are much needed and highly appreciated by tho deserving poor.

There is on viow in tho window of Wildman and Lyell, bookaollore, tho illuminated address, bordered with New Zealand flowers, presented by the Auckland Old Chums and Schoolfellows' Association to Mr. Charles Grey (as president of the Association) on the occasion of hie marriage,

A meeting of Indies interested in the forthcoming Chrysanthemum Fair, to bo hold »t the Drill Hull, Wellealey-street, (luring Easter week, in aid of the Mission tti Stroota and Lanes, was held yesterday afternoon in the rooms of the National Association, Queen-street. There was a good attendance present, and Mrs. Goodall was voted to the chair. The business was tho carrying out of the preliminary arrangements. It was decided to hold tho Fair on tho evenings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wodnesday, and on Wednesday afternon, April 19, '20, and 21, and the various stalls were allotted to the ladles who offered to take charge of them, including refreshment, tea, and oyster rooms. Mr. Cox's kind offer of choice floral collections was gratofully accepted, The question of decorations was discussed, and arrangements made. An art gallery in connection with the Fair was decided upon, and other neee«ary details settled. Tho Rev. Mr, FitzGorald epoko favourably of tho charitable objects of tho fair which will enable good work to bo done among tho poor, sick, and fallen of Auckland. After a vote of thanks to Vn, Gloodall, a number of the ladies adjourned to tho Drill Hall to inspect the sites for stalls, etc., where Mr. R U. Dix explained what had been done up to tho present in forwarding the arrangement*. Aβ a good deal of confusion haa arisen owing to the similarity of names of the Chrysanthemum "Fair" referred to above, and the Chrysanthemum "Exhibition" to be helil next week, the name of the former function has boeii altered to that of the " Eiwter Carnival."

The fortumhtly social of tlio Auckland Caledonian Society was held last evening in the Foresters' Hall, Newton. Mr. T. McCune presided. The following pro« gramme was very successfully gone through: —Pianoforte selection, Mrs. Xalbot; eong, " Friar of Orders Gray," Mr. Ryan (encored) ; song, " Say Au Revoir," Miss E. Gerrish (encored); song, "The Deserter," Mr. Diamond (encored); long, "The Castout, Mr. Message; skipping-rope dance, Mr. Wiggins (encored); recitation, "The Soldier's Pardon," Mies Gardner; song, " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," Mr, Ryan j song, "Close to the Threshold," Mies Gerrieh; son?, " Their Heads Nestled Closer Together," Mr. Diamond. Mm. Talbot accompanied the lingers. .Next Thursday evening the half-yearly meeting will take place, and the chairman invited all financial members to be present on the occasion.

Recently Mr, A, Baulch, n farmer at Warrong, Victoria, was working at a littlo distance from 'his residence, and, in order to obtain some shelter from the rain, ho stationed himself beneath u largo gi-.u tree. Hβ had hardly been there a minute when the tree was struck by lightning, and he was knocked down unconscious, Ho remained in this stnte for some time. When he came to he found the tree harl completely disappeared, all that was visible being" some splinters, which wore scattered (ar and wide. Ho escaped without injury.