LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10409, 6 April 1897, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

An English mail of London date February 26 arrived from Sydney by the Anglian last night, and will bo delivered this morning. Personal items and latest mining news from oar London correspondent appear in another part of this issue.

After the parade ab the Drill-shad laab night Captain \V. B. Whit* approached Lieutenant-Colonel Banks with regard to the colonial rifle representatives to be sent home . He said it had been decided to hold a competition to decide who the two men sent from Auckland should be, and tubed if it could not be made a district affair. Lieutonant-Colonel Banks said he would talk the matter over in a day or so with Captain White, Lieutenant-Colonel Goring said he sincerely hoped the Auckland district would have two representatives with the team.

Yesterday afternoon, about fire o'clock, to accident occurred in Queen-street, by a cart coming into collision with a buggy. The cart was driven by a boy of about ten years of age, while in the buggy were two yonng ladies. One of these was thrown out of the vehicle, and must have been somewhat severely shaken, One of the springs of the buggy was broken, but some of the bystanders quickly effected temporary repairs with a rope. In the meantime a policeman appeared on the scene, and a bystander suggested that he should ascer, tain the name of the owner of the cart. Hβ replied that ho bad no authority to do that. It vib for the owner of the buggy to ascer-' tain who was responsible for the cart, and if it was considered that the driver was to blame then the owner of the buggy could take civil process. The young ladies, however, appeared to be too much confused to think about ascertaining these particulars, Ik was then suggested to the constable that it was surely against the law for a little boy to be in charge of a carb in Queen-street, The constable re plied, in quite an Act-of-Parliament manner, that that was not so. The little boy then slowly drove away, while the young ladies, with some apparent trepidation, again took their seats in the patchedup buggy. If the constable's law is correct, we think some change should be made, and that mere children should not be allowed to have charge of vehicles in Queen-street,

Mr. R. Howell, late of Christchureli, Belfast, sends us a sketch of the late Archbishop Flunket, of Dublin. He shows with what dignity and ability Archbishop Plunkefc conducted himself at the time of the disestablishment of the Irish Church, and bow useful he was at that time. Hβ concludes:—"A few years ago the Goneral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland met in Dublin. The late Archbiihop invited the entire body (about 600 members) to his beautiful home near Bray, The invitation, much to the credit of the Assembly, was cordially accepted. Spacious marquees were in readiness on the lawn for the reception of the visitors. An address of welcome was delivered by the Archbishop, which was worthy of so happy an event, and several of the guests fittingly responded. There was evidence in this meeting of a strong desire on the part of one holding the second highest position in the Irish Church to most his brother Protestants on common ground."

A Maori named Henare Isaae Wheoro, aged 30, was found drowned in the Waikato River on Saturday last. The body appeared to have been in the water for a fortnight, Constable McGovern recovered the body, fd arranged for an inquest. Deceased, itis stated, was subject to fits, His father Ksides fct Rangiriri. The usual monthly meeting of the New Zealand Natives Association was held in their rooms, Mutual Life Buildings, Uet evening. There was a very large attend»Meof members, and Mr. E. Ford (president) occupied the chair. Nineteen new members were elected. Several important Batters were brought forward for discus•ion, including the Fisheries Act and the importation of beet-root sugar into the colony, Mr. Ford spoke at some length on the subject, several other members alao giving expression to their views on the matter. It was decided that the attention of the Government be drawn to the importation of beet-root sugar, and that they take into consideration the advisability of increasing the duties in order to prevent indue competition in British colonies. Re ">• oyster (fisheries, id was agreed that a Rreater amount of protection is necessary for the finheries in the North, and that the "port trade be prohibited for, say, three years, in order to allow the beds to recupeWe. The resignation of Mr. E. H. Montgomery from the committee was accepted, ""a Mr. S. Waters appointed in hie stead. The meeting, which was one of the moat interesting yet held, closed with a vote of 'tanks to the chairman.

The Auckland Ministers' Association jjtb after the recess at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms yesterday •fternoon. There was an excellent attendee. The Revs. Edgar, from Sydney; Jockey, from Dunedin; McEwen, from Liverpool; and Walker, from the South, *«re introduced and welcomed. The Rev, W. J. Williams presided. The election of ; . •racers resulted in the Rev, A. H. Collins i being unanimously chosen president. The «evs. R. Ferguson and W. J. Williams .Hoe-presidents, Kev. B. L. Thomas hon. treasurer, Mr. William Brakenrig wa« onai)i mouß ] y re-elected as hon. secretary. The Rev. Dr. IVolfenden, from Melbourne, i*a» introduced to the meeting, and gave a to <wb interesting account of his work in, ;, Connection with his special means ot treat"J'Pt of the drink craving. At the close the address several queetions were asked *t aeveralministers present. A resolution '»« carried thanking Dr. Wolfenden for -•» address, and pledging the meeting to •Mperate in arranging » public meeting •hire be will more fully explain hie mode

An interesting ceremony took place Yesterday afternoon ab the rooms of the literary staff of the New Zealand Herald, namely a presentation by the staff to Mr. Henry Horton, eldest son of Mr. A. G. Horton (ot Wilsona and Horton, proprietors of the Herald), on the occasion of his marriage to Mies Jessie B. Thomson. The presentation took the form of a handiome secretaire. Mr. W ra . Berry (editor) made the presentation on behalf of the staff. Hβ said that the members of the literary staff of the Herald had assembled for the purpose of offering their congratulations to Mr. Henry Horton on his marriape, and of expressing their best) wishes for the health, happiness, and prosperity of himself and Mrs Horton. They had had prepared, as a token of their good will and good wishes, a secretaire, which would be a memorial of the occasion, and they asked him to accept it as their wedding gift. Mr. Horton, in acknowledging the presentation, thanked the staff on behalf of himself and his wife for their handsome gift, which also would be a most cherished souvenir in his home of the kindly relations subsisting botween himself and them, and which feeling he hoped would go on increase "JET and strengthening in the future. The secretaire was made to order at the establishment of Mr. J. T. Unrlick, the well-known furniture manufacturer and upholsterer, Queon-street, and was tastefully and aitistically executed to the entire satisfaction of those concerned. It is in the modernised Early English character, of handsome rinin.with mottled totara facings, and carved panels. The top part lowors down to a writing position, ano> when not in use the front is replaced into position and secured. The interior ia fitted up with the usual pigeon-holes, and the various drawers have eilvered handles. Befcweon the two front panels is a silver plate bearing the following inscription suitably engraved :—" Presented to Mr. Henry Horton by the literary staff of the New Zealand Herald on the occasion of his marriage. Auckiand, March 16,1897." We have to hand the Chinese Australian Horald of the 19th ult. This journal has been recently enlarged and improved, and claims to have a very extensive circulation. It is printed by an old Aucklander, Mr. Jae. Alex. Philp. Amongst the advertisers are the New Zealand Insurance Company, Oibb, Bright, and Co., Bank of New South Wales, Chinese Navigation Company, Newcastle nncl Hunter Rivor Stoamehip Company, Scott, Daweon, and Stewart, the Sydney 'Cycle Company, and a number of other largo mercantile firms, the New South Wales Trade Protection Institute. The original Mont de Piete has a notification in, but "John's" acquaintance with "Hie Uncle" ia strictly limited, Tattersall's consultations and the trade advertisements of tho tobacco companies, which appear in this journal are more pleasant reading to him.

A general meeting of the musical students of the Aucklaud University College wne held last evening in the ante-room of the Choral Hall. The president, Professor Carl Schmitt, occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of students. After formal business had been disposed of, the meeting proceeded to deal seriatim with a draft of rules coded by the committee of the Musical Students' Association. Considerable discussion ensued as to the advisability of admitting for membership every student attending the Music School, but finally it was resolved to admit only those who had obtained a certificate. Some slight alterations were made in the draft of rules, and afterwards carried in tola. The primary objects of tho Musical Students' Association were given as follow;—To promote fellowship among tho members; encouragement of students in their theoretical studies, in the writing of original musical composition?, and in practical skill in rocal and instrumental music. The following were confirmed as officers for the ensuing year:—Patron, Sir (i. M. O'Rorke; president, Professor Carl Schtnitt; vicepresident and musical director, Mr. J. H. Pbillpot; secretary, Mr. A. H. Stuart; treasurer, Miss E. E. Myers; committee, Misses E. M. Anderson, I. Baker, J. M. Adams, and Mr. F. H. Liihning. Tho following programme of excellent selections was gone through: — Pianforte sjlo, " Allegro," Sonata Op. 10 No. '2 (Beethoven), Miss B. Myers; song, " Sunshine and Rain" (Bluinenthal), Mr. A. Stuart;

anoforte duet, "Dause Andalouse,"

Misses Adams and Anderson; song, " The Three Fishers" (Hullah), Miss Lorrigan ; song, "Carnival" (Molloy), Mr. A. H. Stuart; pianoforte solo, "Lα Cascade" (Pauer), Miss I. Baker. The meetings of the Association will be held monthly. The enthusiasm shown ab last night's meeting augurs well for tho future success of the Association.

There was a large attendance) ut the Foresters' Hall, Newton, last evening, the occasion being boat of the grand farewell concert to Miss Olive Stokes, the popular juvenile elocutionist and pianist, prior to her departure for Australia. This clover young artiste, though but twelve years of age, has already gained distinction both a« an elocutionist and pianist, and has before her a promising future. Miss Stokes gave a rare taste of her capabilities during the course of the evening, appearing on no less than four occasions, on none of which she was allowed to depart without an emphatic recall. She contributed the character song "Flower Girl" most sweetly and was equally successful in her recitals of " The Magic Wand" and " Papa's Letter," and the pianoforte solo "Lucrezia Borgin." Amongst others who assisted were Mrs. Florence Anderson, the Misses E. iMahon, Dunningham (2), M. Quinn, M. Davies, A. Mensies, Messrs. Norman, A. Rowe, Lynch, Lee, Hurrieou, and .Master Tutschka.

A concert was given at St. James's Hall lait evening in connection with St. James's Presbyterian Sunday-school. The children's choir, under the conductorsbip of Mr. Laes, rendered again some of the special hymns which had been sung at the Sunday aunivorsary services, and the following musical selections were also given :—"Zion Excelsie," Mr. Snedden; "The Holy City," Miss Ramsay; "Prostrate Before Thee," Mr. Edmonds j " Consider the Lilies," Miss Mercer; quartette, Mies Uamsay and Mrs. Edmonds, Messrs. Lees and Mercer. Tho Rev. K. F. Macnicol (pastor) then distributed the certificates won by the school at the late Sunday-school Union Industrial Exhibition. The names of the prize-winners were published at the lime. He also distributed the prizes and certificates obtained under the Presbytery examination. For Scripture knowledge, Shorter Catechism, and Essay, Katie Crawford, two Ist and one second certificate; Annie P.oulston obtained a second class certificate in each division; Mary Cooken, one second certificate for calechisio; Charles Scott, two second certificates for Scripture knowledge and catechism. The young man's class gave a first and second prizo to the girls who would design the handsomest wreath for the Sunday ■ school anniversary decorations. These were won by Misses Lillie Goldie and Winnie Edmon:le respectively. There was a good attendance, and the gathering was highly successful. A social in connection with St. John's

Christian Endeavour Society was held in the school-room, at Punsnnby, lust night. The object of the gathering was to bid farewell to Mr. W. B. Scott, who is about to leave for Christchureli to enter upon home missionary work in the Canterbury district. Several vocal and instrumental pieces were rendered and addresses de-

livered by members of the Society. The Rev. H. Bull presided, and presented to Mr. Scott a handsomely-bound copy of the New Testament and Wesley's hymns on behalf of tho .Society. Mr, Scott suitably replied, nr..l the meeting closed with tho singing of " God bo with you till we meet again."

The Remuera Musical Society held an at home last evening in St. Luke's Hall, which was in every sense a marked success. A large and fashionable gathering assembled to welcome new members, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The decorations which adorned the hall for the occasion were very pretty, and included a number of choice pot plants kindly lent by Messrs. D. flay and Sons. Excellent music wai rendered by members. The ladiei provided refreshments during tho evening, and everything was done for the comfort and enjoyment of the guests. The Rev. W. Beatty in a few remarks congratulated the Society upon tho splendid start it bad made for the coming season. There were no lest than 30 new working members added to the roll, besides a good sprinkling of honorary members. The proceedings oloied with the singing of the National Anthem. Five hundredweight of Queensland tobacco was recently sold in London at ljd per pound, It was without flavour, and of Very rank growth, ' . ■■•'■ ;