LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10411, 8 April 1897, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The monthly meeting of the Council (Auckland section) of the National Association was held in the rooms on Tuesday evening. In the absence of the president, Mr. Massey, M.H.It., the chair was taken by Mr. Bell, vice-president. There was a largo attendance. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Mennie, a member of the Council, during his visit to the Old Country. The reports from special committees as to the future of Liberty journal, and with reference to the winter course of lectures and meetings were confirmed. The Liberty management committee were furnished with full powers to carry out the suggested arrangements for publication; and tho fixing of places, dates, and speakers, for the public meetings was also remitted back to the committee. The next quarterly meeting of members was arranged for Thursday, 22nd inst. A copy of the first annual report of the Otago section was tabled, mid the secretary authorised to solicit a copy for each council member. A letter and telegram from the Canterbury section was considered, as well as a telegram with referenco te the Queen's celebrations, These were remitted to a small committee with power to reply on the lines indicated by tho Council. A large amount of other correspondence was disposed of ; and the whole question of registration was remitted to tho political committee to report upon at an early date, with special instructions to consider the drawbacks and irregularities attending both the removing and the placing of names upon the electoral roll.

A fire broko out in the Drug Co.'s premises, Wyndham-stroet, as we were going to press.

We learn that a fire was discovered on Monday night about seven o'clock, in the back storeroom of Clarkson Brothors, grocers, Karangahape Road. It was extinguished with little damage. Mr. Clarkson stated that he had received six sacks of charcoal during the day, mid he lias no doubt that, the charcoal ignited itself, owing to having bocome overheated.

Our Clovedon correspondent writes: —I am very sorry to record that two of our settlor? had to go to the Auckland Hospital to-day (Wednesday) with bad arms through blood poisoning, through skinning a cow that appeared in good health, but which died suddenly, belonging to Mr. M. W. Kerr, of this district. Mr. Kerr and Mr. Boss skinned the cow about a week ago, im mediately after it died, and both men are now in a serious condition.

Yesterday afternoon a horse attached to a waggon, belonging to tho Kauri Timber Company, bolted from the railway goods shed, and came into collision with a trap, the occupants of which were a lady and child. They were both thrown out, the child being a little injured, while the lady was hurt about the logs. There was no one on the waggon at the time.

An inquest was held yesterday at the residence ot Mrs, A. E. Atkins, on the body of an infant, 0110 year old, Ruth Woodhurst. The evidence of Dr. Wine anil Mrs, Atkins, the nurse with whom deceased was boarded out under the Infants' Life Protection Act, was to tho effect that every care and attention had been given to the child. It had been ill far some time, and had beou attended by Dr. Wine from the 19th March till death. The child had not received the breast milk. The jury brought in a verdict that deceased " died of marasmus owing to loss of broast milk and unsuitable food."

A man named William Small was yesterday committed at the Folic- Court to stand his trial at the Supreme Court on a charge of assault and robbery of William Henry Stead. The witnesses were—Air. lienaiok, licensee of the Shamrock Hotel, James Todd, the prosecutor, and Constable Koe-

nan. The Premier has informed Captain Hardy and Mr. W. A, Graham, who are in Wellington in connection with the beet sugar industry, that the Government are desirous to soo the industry established in the colony, and will afford all reasonable assisttance. •

Our Pokeno correspondent writes:—lt is with extreme regret that I havo to record the death of Mrs. H. Melville, which took place at her residence, Mangatawhiri, on the 30th March. Tho deceased lady had been ailing in health, but nothing serious was anticipated ; consequently it was a great shock to her numerous friends when the news of her death became known, she having passed quietly away on the above date. The funeral of the deceased took place on the Ist instant, and it was largely attended. Owing to the deceased lady's husband being a member of the Poltono school committee, the master and children of the above school showed their respect by following the procession, carrying wreaths and crosses to place on the grave. The captain of the Pukekohe Salvation Army, assisted by Lieutenant [tees, officiated at the burial service, the late Mrs. Melville having been an enthusiastic Salvationist. She leaves a husband and family of six children (the youngest seven yours old) to mourn their loss.

Tho annual meeting of St. John's Ladies' Guild was held yesterday at Ponsonby. Tho Rev. H. Bull presided, and on his motion the hearty thanks of the Guild were presented to Mrs. Heron (the president) and Miss Kate Goodacre (sectetary) for their aurvioas during tho past year. Mrs, Heron was re-elected president, and Mrs. Peters was elected secretary for the ensuing yoar. Mrs. Heron reported tho sum of £11 10s in hand, and it was decidod to use this fund towards tho quarterly payment for the loan fund. It was also resolved that all future efforts will be for tho same object, The thanks of the meeting were presented to the Young Ladies' Guild for their valuable co-operation.

The social part of the celebration of the Newmarket Wesleyan Sunday-school anniversary took place last evening in tho Newmarket Hall. Tea was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and an adjournment was then made to the ohurch where the following items were pleasingly rendered:—Solo, Rev. A. Mitchell, "The Voice of tho Father ;" solo, Miss Stone ; solo. Miss Nellie Biggs, and music by the scholars. The secretary's report, read by Mr. Basslre, was very favourable, and tho balance-sheet presented by Mr. F. Woods, treasurer, showed a balance in hand of some £3. The Sunday-school Union, certificates wore presented to the winners by Mr. Thos, Buddie, who also presided. A missionary meeting, under the allspices of the United Christian Endeavour Societies, was held on Tuesday night in the Onehunga Wesleyan Church, The Rev. S. Lawry occupied the chair. There was a large attendance. Addresses giving details of the work among the Chinese in Auckland, were delivered by the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, president of the Auckland Christian Endeavour Union ; Mr. Crook, secretary of the Mission; and Mr. Joseph Lue, Chinese Missionary. During the evening recitations wero given by Mr. Graham, and musical selections were rendered by Mr. J. Lue, and some of the Chinese converts, which were much appreciated, A collection was taken up at the close to be devoted in aid of the Auckland Chinese Mission.

The usual monthly mooting of the Auckland Mew Hebrides Missionary Association was held in the Y.W.C.A, Rooms yesterday afternoon. There was a, good attendance of ladies. It was decided to try and have a box ready to forward to the Islands in two months' time, when the contributions from the country will accompany it. An interesting letter from Mrs. Lamb was read, also a portion of a cheery and newsy journal from Mr, Michelson,

The large audience present last night at the Opera Bouse, to witness the third production of "Tommy Atkins," by Mr. George Rignold and hie company, was thoroughly in touch with the piece from the very first act. Applause was frequent, and the leading characters were called before the curtain more than once. • "Tommy Atkins" will again be staged this evening I «nd till further notice. ■'■""•