LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11825, 30 November 1901, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

General Cole has made some captures in the Orange River Colony, including a field-comet. Several smaller successes are reported. Commandant Fouche is stated to have shot two British prisoners for reasons which are unknown. The proBoer organ, the London Daily News, makes the astounding suggestion that a long armistice should be proclaimed, so as to afford the Boers and rebels and prisoners an opportunity of expressing their opinion regarding peace on a basis of South African federation, with full local autonomy. The Daily News must think the British public a parcel of fooTs to make such a proposal, while it evidently has no idea whatever of colonial opinion in regard to this war, which, it is. as well to state again, cannot be settled on terms which are not approved by the colonies. A disastrous railway collision is reported from America. Two trains collided at Seneca, 80 passengers being killed and 150 injured. The purchaser of Battle Abbey is Mr. Astor, of America, who lias become a naturalised British subject. Many mining concessions on the Gold Coast of Africa have been found to be worthless. The natives, it has been ascertained, salted the mines and so deceived the experts.

In consequence of a conflict of opinion on the matter, the inspector of factories (Mr. J. Ferguson) wishes it made known that the interpretation by the Department of Labour, of subsection 1, of subsection 31, of the Factories Act of last session, regarding payment of boys and women, is' that all workers under 16 years of age are entitled to a minimum wage of 5s per week, whether such persons are in their 15th or"l6th year. Any person in the 17th year is to receive Bs, in the 18th lis, and so on until 20. This is irrespective of whether they have ■worked before on not, or any length, of service. The age of the worker is the only measure of payment. The Registrar of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, Mr. E. H. Lyons, wishes it stated for public information that an Act has been passed by the General Assembly permitting, under certain conditions, of the registration of the birth of any person born in the colony before November 8, 1899, if such birth has not been previously registered. The operation of the Act only extends for one year.,

The companies of the No. 1 Battalion strike camp this afternoon, after having put in a useful week's work under canvas on the Outer Domain. At half-past five last evening a large number of visitors were entertained at tea, and remained at the camp to _ witness the Government inspection, which was conducted by the officer commanding the district, Lieutenant-Colonel Davies, C.B. Later in the evening a number of the officers gave a dinner, to which several friends were present by invitation. Ser-geant-Major Carpenter addressed the men, and expressed his gratification at the useful work put in by them. The catering contract was satisfactory fulfilled by Mr. Frank Crespin.

Mr. A. Rose, Collector of Customs at this port, has received intimation from the Minister for Marine fixing the date of the magisterial inquiry into the wreck of the barque Royal _ Tar for Wednesday morning next at ten o clock. It is understood that Mr. Hugh Campbell will appear for Captain Morrison, of the wrecked vessel, at the inquiry. Mr. D. Gouk and part\S who went down to the scene of the wreck on Thursday morning in the scow Hautaru, to carry out salvage operations, returned to town yesterday, it being found impossible to do any work owing to the roughness of the sea.

An inquest was held yesterday forenoon at the Avondale Asylum, before Mr. T. Gresham (coroner), on the body of an inmate named William G. Gallot, 63 years of age. Dr. Beattie, in his evidence, stated that deceased's insanity was caused by a fall sustained prior to admission to the asylum, and that death was due to heart failure. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

This is St. Andrew's Day, and a hofi day will be observed in all Governmen offices, banks, and insurance offices. Th Mercer Regatta will be held to-day, an the Railway Department are. runnin special excursion trains to and from Mei cer. The :.TaKapuna race meeting wll also be held to-day, and will, no doubt attract a large crowd.

A great shock was felt throughout Ob huhu (says our correspondent) by the deaf on November 27, at her mother's resident Otabuhu, of Miss Elizabeth Hotham, at 19 years. Miss Hot ham was a pup] teacher on the staff of the Papakura schocShe was greatly beloved by all who kne her. She attended the Papakura schocand the Saturday class in Auckland la week, also Canon Gould's confirmation cla last Sunday afternoon, she being one ' the candidates for confirmation at Otahul on Sunday morning next. On Monday sj was too unwell to go to Papakura. ' 14 Rowley was sent for on Wednesday b; she passed away somewhat suddenly ' Wednesday evening. The greatest "sy:pathy is felt for her widowed mother at family. By her death the Auckland &d. cation Board has lost one of its bright* and most promising teachers.

Wo are desired by Mr. J. Ernest Clo>, Ngaheia, Kawakawa, to make the follows? correction : — the Herald of Wednesds November 20, you gave an account of te sale of pedigree stock held at "Blet House," Howick, in ■the course of whichfc was stated that the stud bull, Florist I was purchased for 80 guineas by A. Clo<' This was not so. Florist was' bought £ Mr-. James Close, of Ngaheia, Bay of I lands.

The express train from Rotorua was a hour and a-half late in reaching the Aucl land platform last night, owing to havirf been delayed at Pokeno on account of a accident which happened to a goods trai running some time before it. The good tram was some distance below the Poken station when an axle on one of the truck broke. As soon as the mishap was notice, the train was stopped, and the damage track was thrown off the line.

J§t\ John McConnoll, accountant a Abbott, Oram and Co.'s warehouse, wa the recipient of valuable presents yesteday afternoon from the firm and his ftlow employees, on the occasion of he approaching marriage. Mr. K. H. £~ bott made the presentation of a beautiil oak tea-tray on behalf of the firm, ad Mr. Baker, for the employees, presened a tea-service, etc. Mr. McConnell sitably responded. ;

A gloom has been cast over the Jasli Tamaki district owing- tc the very rod, den death of Mr. John Ferguson, a mich* respected settler. The sad event tooli place at his residence on Tuesday, Niveau ber 26, the cause of death being heart disease. Mr. Ferguson was born it the North of Ireland, and when quite a /uung man emigrated to New Zealand, ariving in Auckland by the ship Cashmere, in August, 1854. He has since resi<ed in, the East Tamaki district, where le was, respected by all who came in contat with him. Mr. Ferguson leaves behind him a' widow, one son, and five daughters, all married but one daughter. Tie interment took place on Thursday at the Presbyterian Cemetery, Otara, the sot* vice being conducted 'by the Riv. D. J. Steele,

Our Dacre's Claim eorrespondmt writes t\ —On November 20 Mr. R. J. Meiklejohn, of Omaha, was married to MissM. Murray,, of Auckland. The ceremony look place at the residence of the bride's mo:her, and was conducted by the Rev. R. McKinney, of Warkworth. The presents were numerous and useful, as well as ornamental, showing the esteem in whioh the happy pair are held. In the evening a social, in honour of the evoat, was given by, Mrs. Murray in the Masonic Hall, Newton,, at which a large number of friends and relations of the bride and bridegroom were, present. The happy couple were met oqi the wharf at Big Omaha the following day,, and, passing through showers of rice, drove' off to their future home. Thai wedding will be of interest to Kuaotunu residents, where the couple are both well known. *

The standard examination of the Waihif school (says our correspondent) was mada by Mr. Goodwin, and occupied the week' ending November 22. The result was as follows .-—Number presented, 381; numbes present, 373 ; and pupils passed, 342. There were 278 children examined in the primer classes with satisfactory results, making ths total roll number 671.

Mr. L. M. Elshemus, a prominent American author-artist, arrived the other, week in Auckland. He has visited Honolulu and the Samoan Islands, which ha intends writing up in a future book., Auckland and its surroundings have impressed him very favourably; he says the scenery reminds him somewhat of California along the coast. He intends visiting Rotorua next week. Besides having received honours in painting, Mr. Elshemus has had published a number of books, among which " The Devil's Diary," " Sweetbriar" (a novel), " Poetical Works,"' and "A Triple Flirtation," are the most; important.

Theatre-goers will be pleased to know that Mr. J. C. Williamson has now completed arrangements for Mr. Wilson Barrett to visit New Zealand. It is not necessary to tell our readers that Mr. Barrett has for many years been one of the brightest stars of theatrical London, for Lis name is as well known as that of Sir Henry Irving. Upon the occasion of Mr. Barrett's last Australasian tour, much as he wished to include New Zealand, it was unfortunately not practicable owing to the limited time available for his sojourn under the Southern Cross.. The complete London Company will accompany Mr. Barrett, as upon his American and Australian tours. He also brings all the original scenery and dresses, so that we shall have the plays presented in their entirety, exactly lis they were produced and played in London.

Mr. Black, a resident of Akaroa, had a thrilling experience during the late heavy sou'-wester there. He was coming up alone in his oil-launch from Lucas Bay. As it was raining hard be was wearing a long mackintosh coat. He lifted a piece of the ilooi to pump the boat out, and on stooping to get the pump his coat caught in the shafting, and he was dragged down on his back close to the shaft. His arm wen*- across the hole, which prevented him being _ dragged any further. jhe shaft continued to revolve inside the twists of the coat, which pinned • nim down at the shoulder in such a position that lie could not free himself or reach the engine to stop her. After struggling for nearly ten minutes in this position he exerted all his strength, and succeeded in throwing the shaft out of gear. Working with one hand he then slackened up some of the turns round the shaft, and draped himself out of the coat, which was torn to shreds. His arm "is considerably bruised from the elbow to the shouldei* otherwise ho is all right. Mr. Black says it was the worst ten minutes he ever experienced, as he did not know how it was going to ,WL As the engine is an ei<dK> horse pow t and the shaft was°r»volvmg at minute, some idea of the force re L throw her out of gear can be im -^WfeThe Auckland their opening day at Alexandra afternoon* and there is every promise of a successful gathering. _ A parade of polo ponies will be held prior to play being commenced, which will consist of six spells between teams to be selected. Members of country, kindred clubs will also take part, and after-' noon tea will be provided by the Ladies' Committee.

The following transfers have been made in the police force :—Constable Donovan,; from Tologa Bay, Gisborue; to Newton Constable Hancox, from Auckland to Gisborne, and Constable Mahoney, from Wellington to Auckland. His Worshio the Mayor has received a donation of £1 fc f rom jj r . j. jj. Patterson < towards the Cheviot settlers' relief fund.

"~ i*n»miimn>«i««M«w»i»iiii»rrrgeani^M '-; "j tV* have received from the Union Com' ran y the agents for the Orient (JomL&r! * somewhat large and splendidly rtT-up book with the following title: — ft Orient - Pacific Line Guide: Chop- • ra for , Travellers by J Sea ar d v And " Edited for the managers of the {Je by W. J. 'Lottie, 8.A., F.S.A., ■ V.'/i.8., author of "A History of London,' 'Windsor," "Authorised Guide to the' Tower," etc., London.Sampson, Low, \{arston, and Co. Limited." There is included in the volume a history of Aus- "•" tralasia and of the growth of the colonies, 'to the Hon. Mr. Reeves. Several of the tot chapters are devoted to the Mother Country, and the principal voyages made from it by the Orient line, describing ill detail the places touched at. The ; \ : li»tural history of Australia, and Mew Zealand is dealt with at some length, and foil information is. given respecting the jiips and all that concerns them. There IP a large number of illustrations, inr Riding several of New Zealand, about "'plenty-two maps, a , number .of charts, o#l views of tho great ships of the com- . pany's fleet. The book contains, a vast gmoiint of information respecting almost ?:■}'s parts of the world, most attractively rput together. :, : .:■ Colonel Hume, Inspector of Prisons, after lis official visits to Waiotapu Gaol Departm ment, Mount Eden prison, the auxiliary establishment at Fort Cautley, and consultations with the visiting justices, has left for s headquarters. The Colonel's son, Captain Hume, who has seen service in South Africa, 'ant. has undergone additional military training in England, is expected to return to the colony in February next, when he resumes duties in connection with the Defence Department of the colony. j On November 23 as Mr. O'Donoghue was returning from the post office at Towai (writes our correspondent) the young horse he was riding shied, and threw him. His foot caught in tho stirrup, and he was dragged across the road. Fortunately his foot got clear, or he might have lost his life. As it is, he had to be removed iu ft trap to the Towai Hotel. It is not considered that any bones are broken, but Mr. (JDonoghue got a dreadful shaking.

The names of several well-known Auckland gentlemen have been recently mentioned as likely to succeed the late Deputy-Inspector of Asylums at Avondale, Mr. Justice Cooper, but as yet no official announcement has been made as to a successor. It is time the Government filled the position, and gazetted the new deputy. It is also understood that during the recent visit of Dr. MacGregor, the Inspector-Gene-ral of Hospitals and Asylums, that gentleman stated he hoped an early selection would bo made. Impey's Band will play the following programme in the Albert Park to-morrow afternoon :—Quick march, "Napoleon" (M. Levi); overture, "Sans Soucci" (J. P. Hcnsa); raise, " Primavera" (Bucalossi); gaad fantasia, " A Casket of Gems" (E. ar*); grand selection of sacred songs by Charles, Gounod, "When the Children. Pray," "The Cross of Calvary," "An Evening Lullaby," and "The Peace of God," selections from Sullivan's operas (J. 0. Hume). A number of Maori studies, the work of Mr. Allan Hutchinson, have been purchased for the Bishop Museum of Honolulu, by Colonel W. F. Allen, who leaves by the Sonoma to-day. Colone 1 Allen, who has been on a vitit, with vis wife, to the Hot Lakes district, is senior trustee of the Bishop Museum, which is said to have the best collection of Polynesian subjects in the Pacific, and is one of the finest ethnological museums in the world.

A reference to our advertisement columns will show that the old-established firm of Jackson and Russell, which has » been in existence sine August 1, 1864— 37 —has now been terminated by the retirement of Mr. James Russell, who : intends permanently , residing in England for the future, and that the business heretofore carried on by Mr. Samuel Jackson and Mr. James Russell, under the 'stylo of Jackson and Russell, will be still carried on in the same offices under the old name by the new firm, consisting of Mr. Samuel Jackson, Charles Frederick Reid, Charles James Tunks, and Thornton Jackson, LL.B. Messrs. Reid and Tunks are both old articled pupils of Mr. Jackson, Mr. Reid having been in his office 18 yesjs, and Mr. Tunks 16 years. Mr. Thornton" Jackson is the youngest son of Mr. Samuel Jackson.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd) will be absent from town on private business till Monday next. -' The cargo »teamer Heathdene arrived from New York and the South yesterday with a cargo of kerosene and general merchandise. The steamer, it will be remembered, from accounts published in the Herald, had a somewhat narrow escape during the voyage owing to a fire occurring on board, and had it not been for the exertions of the captain, officers, and crew, the result would have been disastrous to both vessel and cargo. The Heathdene, which is a fine type of the large cargo-carry-ing steamers visiting New Zealand, is a new vessel, and is under the command of Captain Milbum, who is accompanied by his wife and daughter, who took an active part in the navigation of the vessel at the time of the fire. Preparations are well advanced for the interesting event of the opening of the new Unitarian Church on Wednesday next. The building—a handsome structure of unusual design— almost complete. The Rev. W. Jellie, 8.A., will conduct the dedication service at four p.m., and among the speakers at the evening meeting will be the Rev. George Walters, the well-known preacher of Sydney. An alteration has been made regarding the tenders called by the British Government for the supply of meat to the troops in South Africa, as follows Tenders for dead meat may be : (a) For frozen or fresh ; (H for frozen onlv ; (g) for fresh only ; (h) for frozen meat, c.i.f., Capetown or Durban- (i) for frozen meat, f.0.b., at port of shipment; (j) for slaughtering and distribution only.