LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10417, 15 April 1897, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

In connection with Sir George Grey's birthday, which was celebrated yesterday, we are informed by the librarian of the Free Public Library, Mr. Shiiliugton, that a copy of the address presented to Sir George Grey eleven years ago on the occasion of his 74th birthday, and signed by 13000 Europeans and Maoris in Nuw Zealand is now lying on the table in the Library open for inspection by those interested. The Chamber of Commerce intend to tako up the proposed Gisborne-Rotorua railway scheme and deal with it energeti- ■, (illy after tho Easter holidays are over. ty His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. BoardBan) will to day transmit the balance of the moneys collected in aid of the Indian relief fund (£380) to the authorities in India. The loe.-il secretary, Mr. Gorrie, informs us that the amount received totals £1130, of which i'7sO was sent on some j weeks back. Of this amount £3151 ms been •' received through the churches, £292 •through the public schools, and the balance, ■ £523, by private contributions sent in and subscription lists. The sitting of the Assessment Courb held by Mr. H. W. Brabant, 8.M., to hear objections to the valuations of the City Council on properties for rating purposes, was concluded yesterday. Mr. P. A. Philips (town clerk) and Mr. W Gulliver (valuer) represented the Council. The number of objectors was 94, representing 117 objections lodged. Many of these were Struck out through tho non-appearance of the objecting ratepayers. The total reduction! made amounted to £766.

The Kauri Timber Company have just turned out at their works in Custom-street i very handsome piece of church furniture to the order of the vestry of the St. Andrew Anglican Church, Epsom. The design ia gothic, with slight modifications to match the other furniture in the church. The timber used throughout is some very old matured rimu, beautifully figured. The ibape is octagonal and the base consists of fire heavy deep chamfered courses. This U surmounted with panels of open Gothic work, with turned and carved columns to match. Off each column springs a shaped, carved, and moulded bracket of unique design. Between these brackets are handsomely carved panels with scop chamfered framing and moulding all in Gothic style. The top is a heavy piece of limu moulded and chamfered, and in strict keeping with the other portions of the Work. The approach to the pulpit is pined by three steps made in rimu, with handsome epandril and brackets. Tho book rest is formed of metal tube, with shaped brackets in same material and thumbscrew for adjusting the height, The ■hole structure reflects the greatest credit on the company and all concerned for the able manner in which the work has been carried out.

With reference to the trap accident recordon, in yesterday's issue, in which two ladies, Mrs. David Robertson and Miss Robertson (Mangere) were reported as injured, it is stated that the former has sustained concussion of the brain, bub ie proKreoing favourably. She was removed to the residence of her brother-in-law (Mr. Jonathan Winks). Miss Robertson escaped with b few scratches about the face, and Was able to return to her father's home at Mingere.

Two young ladies, the Misses Bower, had » narrow escape from being gored by a bollock, last night, at Onehunea. It •ppears that while the cattle brought up by we s.s, Galrloch wore being driven up Queen-street, one of tho beasts rushed at »« ypung ladies who were passing, and Would certainly have injured them had it Dot slipped oil the pavement. On seeing weirdangor, the Misses Bower took refuge in the tower of the firebell until the animal Wμ driven away, ' Our Paparoa correspondent states that wWeileyan quarterly meeting was held 00 April 1 at the Parsonage. There were ■'. present-the Rev. B. P. Rothwell in the :■ air, and seven lay members. The in- '; come for the quarter was about equal to tho I expenditure, and special subscriptions, toI gether with a social at Matakolie made up I the deficiency, so that the circuit starts S *ith a clean eheob. Arrangements were a Bade to meet the new minister. ■? n The general manager of the Tramway 1 Company, Mr. Kidd, has suspended the if? runniDg of the cars on Good Friday on m Both the eastern and western circuits. A H J> M "ill, however, run from Auckland to WL Onehunga on that day at the hour* notified. M «i» step will enable a holiday to be given Wk i the tram employees, who work long i| "ours, and especially at the holiday season, , » miniiter to the pleasure of other sections y;,': of the community. ' , i<;.. The circus which opens »t.tbe.Agricul■i;: tural Hall on Saturday night promisee to be :;,;,:». decidedly attractive one, judging by the ','*• Programme announced in another column. t'" .*« entertainment will include gymnastic ,Mt * of all kinds, besides .riding,; wire *»!«ng, and' juggling-; also performing Rones, doge, and monkey*.. The »how will P«Ubly be largely attended. ik ':-.-.-, '% . .1

The Northern Company's steamer Gairloch lost one of her propellers yesterday shortly after leaving New Plymouth for Qnehunga, in consequence of which she was deloyod in her arrival at the latter port by about four hours. After the cargo had been discharged the steamer was taken on to the beach where she was fitted with a new propeller. It is expected that the s.s. Gairloch will leave for New Plymouth at one o'clock to-day as ueual.

Our Papakura correspondent writes:—A most_ Buccossful reunion of Battlers, their families and friends, was celebrated by a social on the 7th April in the Orange Hall, Papakura, the occasion being the 32nd anniversary of the arrival of the ebip Viola, which lauded about 300 passengers in Auckland ou the 7th April, 1865. About 200 sat down to tea, and it was very gratifying to see so many of the original arrivals gather together to celebrate the occasion and renew "auld acquaintance" after so many years of the ups and downs of colonial life. Tea was served at 7.30 p.m. Mr. A. McLean presided, and after justice had been done to the good things provided he gave a few happy remarks on the time spent on board the Viola, and also a few reminiscences of early settlement life,which were very well received. The floor was then cleared, and dancing began with a Scottish reel. Tho music was most efficiently supplied by Messrs. Khind and Colquhomi. Songs wero rendered at intervals by a number of ladies and gentlemen. The arrangements were carried out by an energetic committee. The annual soiree in connection with St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, was held yesterday evening in the Sunday-school, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The Rev. G. Monro presided, and there was a crowded attendance, Tho secretary reported very favourably on the work of the Church during the paeb year. The following musical and vocal programme was then gone through :—Piano forte duet by Miss Isa Herd and Mr. Perkins; whistling solo, by Mr. Fordyce f anthem, by the choir; song, by Miss Crowther; duet, by Messrs. Fordyce and Dinnison; song, by Mr. Labbald ; song, by Mr. T. Rowe. The Rev. Dr. Wolfendon gave an able address on "Practical Religion," and an impressive address was also delivered by the Rev. R. Edgar, from Sydney. Refreshments wore provided at the close of the programme, and the evening was concluded by an anthem, " Praise the Lord," sung by the choir. The sacred cantata, " The Crucifixion," was rendered last night in St. Sepulchro's Church, and proved very suocossful. Mr. Rice played the accompaniments on tho organ, and the solos were well sung by Messrs. Martin, Kiseling, and Charter.

At a meeting of the committee of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club held last evening the question of sending B. Reynolds, the local cyclist, Home to compote at tho World's Championship at Glasgow in July was discussed. Reynolds having intini.iteii that he would experience great ii.ilbulty in arranging business mattore under such alnrb notice, and the opinion bein<r thai. the time that would be given him 1 v preparation would be all too short, it was decided to abandon the mutter.

The final production by the (jeo. Rignold Company of the amusing three-net enmody. "Confusion," attracted another large attendunce to the Opera House lust evuiiim.'. The oompiiiiy leave for Wellington to-day from Oneliungn, to open in that city on Saturday evening.

The business meeting of St. David's Literary Society took place on Tuesday night in the hall behind tho church. The secretary and treasurer presented hie reports for the past session, showing in one the success of the cociety from a literary aspect, and in the other—the financial, a credit balance. Tho election of office bearers for the current year was as follows: —Hon. president, Rov. R, Scott West; president, Mr, .Murdoch; vice-president, Messrs. Clark, La Itoche, and Murray j secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. McGregor; coinmitlee, Misses Currio, Morrison, and Hutchinson, and Mows. Miller and Robertson ; organist, Misn Murray. After arranging mi interesting syllabus for the first half of the session, which will open with a social, tho meeting closed i" the usual wuy,.

There was a large assemblage in St. John's Church, Ponsnnby, last evening— the aisles and gallery boing also crowded— to witness the representation of Rout's popular cantata, " David, the Shepherd." It was rendered by a choir numbering a hundred voices. The following was the arrangement of the principal parts taken : —Abigail, Misa Alice Riminorj attendants, Mines Wheeler and Crispo; Michal, Miss E Butler; David, Mr. P. R. Dix: Jesse and Jonathan, Mr. R. J. Sinipxon; Samuel and Saul, Rov. A. Mitchell; eller, Mr. May; shepherd*, men of war, messengers, Messrs. A. GrilliMlc, R. A. Scott, and J. (inodison ; sentinel?, Me-'srs, A, Hall, J. Hutchinson; organist, Mrs. H. Horsloy ; pianiste, Miss Goodacre; loader of orchestra, Miss F. Cooke; conductor, Mr. J. Horsloy. The performance of the cantata took two hours, and the performance was at frequent intervals applauded. A collection was takon up in aid of the choir funds,

Last nieht, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, Stainer's cantata, "The Crucifixion, was effectively rendered by n very large choir, conducted by Mr. K. Leelio Hunt, the Cathedral organist. The solos were takon by Messrs. 11. Gllfilhui, Garland, Pouncnoy, Upfill, Niehol, and the Uev. G. McMurray. The beautiful quartette, "God so loved the world," was sung by Miss Corbett and MissTwinane and Messrs. Gilfillan and Uptill. There waa a large congregation.

It will be seen from advertisement elsewhere that the Greenwood eeiison of four nights at the City Hull will commence on Eastor Monday (the 19th inat.), whon tho Greenwood Family will appear in musical burloequo end operatic selections. There will be a grand double bill, Jerome K. Joromo's "Barbara" being produced for the first time in Auckland, as also the musical parody entitled, "A Cup of Cold Poison; or Romeo and Juliet Up-to-Date." In the first piece Miss Maribel Greenwood will take the title role, and will sing the grand scena from Wallace's "Lurline, , and in the musical parody Miss Agatha Greenwood will play tho part of Iloinoa. The full programme for the Sacred Concert to be given at iho Opera House tomorrow evening appears elsewhere. It will be seon that a most careful selection has been made of the most popular songs, and many of these will bo pictorinlly illustrated. Mr. Chae. Cooper will exhibit a beautiful set of views of "The Story that Transformed the World," as well as ecenio gems of tho Holy Land. There were two persons in the lock-up last evening on charges of drunkenness.