LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12055, 27 August 1902, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Hekald Summary, for transmission, by the next outward San Francisco mail,: will be published to-morrow morning... Those desirous of forwarding the Summary to their friends in Europe, America, etc., ; will have ample time to do so, as the newspaper mail closes on Friday next, .**;.:.. 11.30 a.m., up to which hour papers ,- for , mailing may be obtained of runners at uw :? . post office. This mail will be due in MA , clou on September 27 ;

P p • •" ii>' The King and- Queen, ;in the. course of their tour round tho British Isles, have. 1 landed in the Isle of Man, where they re-''■:V--'coived a tremendous reception. This is ,-\'tb'e" time a K °y al visit Las beeu paid t0 Mahxland formallyyears. According. , l 0 tLe Birmingham Post, a paper elose'y iJentified with Mr. Chamberlain, Sir E. I landed in the Isle of Man, where they received a tremendous reception. This is the firpt time a R°y al visit has been paid to Mahxland for many years. According to the Binningham Post, a paper elose'y identified with Mr. Chamberlain, Sir E. Barton and other Australian statesmen are - endeavouring to arrange for the •amalgamation of several leading banks into , 8 Commonwealth Bank, on the ( lines of tho Bank of England. ■One of the missionaries murdered in China, the B-JV. : J. G. Brace, was an Australian; Though warned of their danger, and invited liiiS,tike'shelter at the Prefect Yamen, they ! pifferred to remain at the mission station, , BE ; i so fell victims to Chinese fanaticism And ; superstition. Mr. Seddon is tho guest of the Duke of Abercorn, in Ireland. The Duke is of opinion that as regards Imperial naval defence it would have been better to have sent Lord Jersey or, Lord Carrington 1 as a special commissioner, to have consulted with the Commonwealth Government and -■ the Leader of the Federal Opposition. Many jfifof I the evicted tenants on Lord Defreyne's V estate, in Ireland, have paid up "and resumed 1 possession of their holdings. The Manitoban wheat yield this year is again phenomenal, 111 and 20,000 harvesters have been requisitioned for its ingathering. It is expected to If yield sixty-live million ,bushels. It is ; said '.. that Dr. Leyds will enter the Dutch Civil Service, and that Mr. Reitz will devote him- >" self to forming a Boer irreconcilable party in Europe. The Cape 'Government has in- ". , troduced a Bill indemnifying all Acts under martial law.' The Afrikander Bond supports the Bill.

At the Supreme Court, yesterday, the - ■ case of Alfred Robert Greenway v. Charlton Dawson and Mary Louisa Dawson (a claim : ?;. for jt/kiOOO for alleged slander) was discontinued after being partly heard. * The wit- .'.' ness who was expected to prove the' principal allegation on which the claim was based '«' denied it, and counsel for the plaintiff said '" he would proceed no further with the case. He elected to take a,nonsuit, which was entered up, with costs in favour of the defendants.

f • A meeting of those interested.in the for-

jnation of a defence cadet company at Ham- " ilton was held in the local Volunteer Hall ■-. on Saturday evening last. Mr. Leonard °3Jradstock was 'appointed captain, and Lieutenant- Colonel Reid, 0.C.D., who was present, expressed himself pleased with the apflflt pearance of the 38 lads who were present, '• r \ and whose names were enrolled on the membership list. As the Government capita||l|gtion for cadets only amounts to 5s per head, J- •' an effort will be made to raise a consider•r able portion of the money required for uniforms, etc., by public subscription, and lists llllare now in.circulation. The amount required is about £60, and £10 has already •->, been collected. '-' * • >.•' ■ ■_.[■-..■■■ ■;.;.'■ : In yesterday's Herald we made reference to the death, at Lake Takapuna, of '" " Mrs. Margaret Mary McDonald, who, it -' " was claimed, was the first European female " *-"" k child born in the colon v. The ; late Mrs.: V" McDonald was bora at Hokianga in 1830, fftiltrat from information supplied it seems that her birth took place some 14 years BfSSafter,' the' birth of the first female born '~ at the Bay of Islands, in 1816. Mrs. Hannah King Lethbridge,. who was born •. * in the year last mentioned, is said to be still ? alive. ; Our informant also :■: adds ; that the first European male child was born in '.'•..' 1814,-at Russell (name 'not given),; and that the . first sermon was preached (Rev. S. Marsden),,' and ; first wooden % dwelling erected during the same year. : The dwelKgtlmg," patched- up and added' to, is still at Russell, and \is inhabited, ; and in front of it stands the first brick building erected in •; the colony.- The latter building was ~ erected in 1833, and is also in use at the i present time.

■ 'At a meeting of the Bradford Memorial Committer at Paeroa yesterday, a statement of finance showed that the sum of '£50 had been placed on deposit in the • bank. It was ■ decided to erect an Italian marble , fountain, : with three basins, the order'for which was placed in the hands of Messrs. Harris and Co., of Auckland. It is anticipated that the stone will arrive in the colony in about six months' time. ". . It will then be erected on the top of ', . Primrose Hill, or Aorongai Domain, where it will serve as a memento of Trooper Bradford, who was the first colonial soldier to lay down his life in defence of the Empire during the recent South African war. "'.'V ■ ' '■'.." '■','. '.'.'. '■/'... ,''. „'. " ' ' The Dunedin City Council has been placed in a position of very serious difficulty over the question of .the ; provision of power for the electric tramways. They hav,e obtained professional reports in the past upon which, they placed a certain degree of re- : fiance. And now they have received a fresh report from Mr. J. T. Noble Anderson, which 'assails in some particulars the methods that were adopted by the experts -who have previously reported to them, which impugns their judgment; which disputes their figures, which challenges their conclusions. On December 12, 1900, the report ■ of Mr. Goodman in favour of the adoption of the Taieri River as the source of water power, . and Mr. . Orchiston's report in favour of the adoption of s the Lee stream, were presented ' to the Council, and since then at different : periods there have been various reports by | the city engineer (Mr. Rogers). Now Mr.' .Anderson pronounces confidently in favour of the feasibility of the Lee stream power scheme, but he estimates that the cost will be largely in excess of the estimates that have hitherto been furnished to the Council, and in excess of the sum that the Council is at present in a position to provide for this purpose. He is ; also perfectly satisfied concerning the practicability of utilising the Taieri River as a source of supply for water power. Then he has no doubt that a water power system will be much less expensive in the long run than a system of generation of power either by steam or gas engines. Upon that point, at least, he is in agreement with the engineers whose reports are on other points sharply traversed by him. The Council has meantime given the engineers on whose reports Air. i Anderson has passed strictures an .opportunity of replying, but it is not very, apparent how in the long run the Council will be. able, to judge between Mr. Anderson and those whose work he has criticised.

, An important event occurred in business ■ ' circles this week, when the old-established firm of Messrs. Court Bros, mutually dissolved partnership. The history of the firm has been one long uninterrupted suc- ■ cess since its establishment in Newton in 1886 .by Messrs. P. W. and G. Court, lb •was carried on by them until 1889, when Mr. John Court arrived in the colony and joined the firm. Shortly after the shop in Queen-street was opened, and two years later Mr. F. W. Court retired, Ihe business was then carried on by the two brothers, Messrs. G. and J. Court. In 896 they found it necessary to secure larger premises in Newton. In 1900 the business carried on by Mr. J. Iredale, in Queen- ' street, was purchased by the firm. As showing the increased business done by the S firm, it -may be stated that when the farm opened in Newton in 1886,. they employed . three'hands, the number at present employed is over 200. In future the business hi Newton will be carried on by Mr. Geo. Court, Mr. John Court taking over the two Queen-street shops.

[ " - The Union Company's steamer Talune, ; • Which leaves for Sydney on Friday evening next, will take from this port about 1300 sheep and 100 head of cattle, for sale in the Sydney stock markets. The HuddartParker steamer Elingamite, which leaves for. Sydney on Monday evening next, will take 400 sheep and 20 head of cattle. A.meeting of the Auckland Co-operative Terminating Building Society was held last «venin b in St, James' Hall, Wellingtonstreet, when appropriations were made from the first and second groups of shares as appended : —First group, 97th and aßth appropriations ot £200 each, by sale, highest tender £50 Is per share, sos. 399 and 400 ■ i;,' oeing successful; second group, 87th and ??th appropriations, by sale, of £200 each, highest tender, £51 Is 6d per share, Nos. -,-9 and 970 being successful. Mr. E. h. \ . Jones presided, and Messrs. C. Bartley, !'• w. Smith, and J. C. Grierson, were also «» the platform. The scrutineers were -Messrs. J. Morey (directors' scrutineer) and 1$» the platform. The scrutineer).. were Messrs. J. Morey (directors' scrutineer) and V. Bartley (shareholders' scrutineer)..

The probability of reduction in fire insurance premiums as a result of the improvement of the Auckland City Fire Bri,de equipment was referred to . by; several speakers at > the opening of the : : new;- fire brigade station in 7 Pitt-street yesterday. I he-Mayor; (Mr. A. Kidd) admitted that the City Council have yet a; pood deal to do J before they could ask that citizens get the ;. benefit of . the ■ expenditure 'in the shape \ of reduced : premiums, but he liinted that when the new 'fire brigade r-system f was complete, a reduction in premiums would be s expected. ; Several other, speakers referred to the matter, and Mr. Jas. Kirker, general manager of the South British In-, surance j Company, in speaking on behalf of >: the insurance companies, said "he was not in a position to say whether rates would be reduced or not, out the chances were that when the equipment of the brigade was complete the citizens would get the benefit, of it.

A sitting of the Native Land Court is to commence at Taeroa to-day, and is likely to last about a month. It is understood that about 300 cases are to be dealt with, including succession orders and deceased persons' partition or subdivision cases, and four, or live applications for first investigation of title (land not yet put through the Court). • „,

The committee arranging for a memorial to:the late Trooper Stanley Scott, an old Ponsonby boy, met last evening, when the most favoured of several proposals put forward was one suggesting the erection of a drinking fountain at the foot of Shelly Beach Road. The funds collected amount to £70, and a meeting of subscribers will be held shortly to come to a decision as to the form of the memorial. :

: Mr. Hutchison, stipendiary magistrate, held a special sitting of the Old Age Pensions Court yesterday, to investigate tne circumstances under which the ', deputyregistrar claimed to have a pension certificate cancelled on the specific grounds set forth in the application. His Worship examined both Mr/King and the Court orderly, Constable Fraser, and after referring to the records, stated that lie would look carefully into the whole case, and give judgment on another day.

In connection with the accident which occurred at Birkenhead on Sunday last, we are informed that the dingey which was launched was properly equipped Doth with oars and rowlocks, but that as it had only to be propelled for a short distance, the quickest way was. 'to make a stroke with one of the paddles. , ' , .

While passing Messrs. E. Porter • and Co.'s ironmongery premises in Symondsstreet yesterday afternoon, about one o'clock, a little girl named Gill, aged seven years, sustained a nasty wound to her* right leg through being knocked over by a case on the footpath. It seems that just as the child was passing a cart backed against the footpath and struck the case, which toppled over on the little girl. Dr. Goldie rendered temporary relief to the sufferer, who was subsequently removed to the , hospital. No bones were broken, but there was a cut on the inside of the right leg below the knee about 2i-in long.,' '.-. ' .

'A well-attended meeting of shipowners and V others interested in the.' Auckland

coastal shipping trade was held last evening, for the purpose of protesting against the proposed excision from the new Shipping and Seamen Bill of the clause : which exempts vessels plying within . river and extended river limits from the : provision relating to the manning of vessels by. A.B.'s, and which stipulates the . number of seamen-, .and firemen, etc., to be carried by each. Resolutions were passed -protesting against the proposed elimination, as being inimical to the welfare of the river shipping trade, and a committee was appointed to arrange for the signing of petitions by all interested, and for the presentation "of such petitions to the House of Representatives when the Bill is under consideration. A report of the meeting appears in another column. : \

Our Waiuku . correspondent writes: —It is with much regret . that I have to record the death ,; of Mrs. Alfred. John Barriball, which sad event took place ; after a very painful illness on August 22, at the comparatively early age of 48 years. The deceased lady was the fourth daughter of the late Mr. George Bregman, one of Waiuku's earliest settlers, and . was ; the first white child born in the district. She was held in very high esteem, as was shown by the ' large" attendance of old residents at the funeral, which took place on August 24, leaving her late' residence at two p.m. The chief mourners were: 'Mr. A. J. Barriball .(husband), Cyril Barriball (son), and : George Bregman" and Arthur Bregman (brothers of deceased). A large number of other relatives also followed. The bearers were Messrs. W. J. King, A. May, J. McDonald, and G. Gurrie, four old schoolmates of deceased, 'xne coffin was covered with floral wreaths, and the procession first stopped at Trinity Church, where part of the funeral service was conducted, being concluded at the grave by the Rev. Harrison. Deceased leaves a family of two sons and one daughter. At the conclusion of the morning service at Wesley P-hurdi «n Sunday, the "Dead March" in 1' Saul" |was played as a mark of respect; for the departed. ■

Mayors of cities have numerous .: calls on their time, and are expected to preside over meetings of varied character, but prooably one of the . strangest requests received by the chief magistrate of a , city is a matter that.the Mayor of Auckland has been asked to attend to. ■ : Mr. Kidd has . received a letter from far away. Canada, in which the writers ask him to inform them of the estate of Duncan McKay, they being heirs-at-law. The letter is addressed to " The Mayor of Oaekland, , New ; Zealand, N.5.W.," and His Worship is rather in a quandary as to how \ the required information is to be obtained. To enable mm to reply, Mr. Kidd will, be pleased to receive : any clue that may lead to his obtaining the information asked for.

A large number of friends of Mr. N. V. Haszard gathered in the clubroom at Meyer's Hotel, Waihi, on Monday evening (writes our correspondent),' to bid farewell to that gentleman on the eve of his departure for the Gold Coast (West Africa) to fulfil three years' engagement with the Imperial Government for conducting surveys there. Included in the guests were the officers and members of the Ohinemuri No. 3 Rifles, of which company Mi. Haszard was a member. Lieutenant Gilmour, on behalf of his corps, presented Mr. Haszard with a handsome gold sovereign-case. Mr. Haszard expressed his thanks in suitable terms. Mr. T. A. Moresby, on taking the chair for the rest of the evening, referred with regret to Mr. Haszard's departure. Toasts were proposed by Major A. T. Kenrick, Lieutenant Swindley, Messrs. It. Gooch, T. A. Moresby, R. S. Ready, and A. H.- Benge. During intervals vocal items were contributed by Lieutenant Swindler, Messrs. Evan Morgan,E. S. Ready, and Montgomery. The accompanists for the evening were Messrs. Bartley and Harrison. After singing " Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem, three hearty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Haszard. Mr. Haszard left Waihi yesterday morning for Thames, whence lie goes to Auckland, and on Friday sails by the Ventura, via 'Frisco, for London, from which centre, he will proceed to the Gold Coast.

We have to acknowledge receipt of copiers of the schedules of the Auckland Horticultural Society's shows for the season 1902-3. The first show of the season is to be held on Friday week, September 5, at the Federal Clubroom, Wellesley-street, As the season has been a very good one for bulbs, especially narcissi, the show should be an excellent one. In audition to narcissi, provision is made for anemones, ranunculi, tulip, hyacinths, cyclamens, primulas, cinerarias,' camellias, rhododendrons, etc. The schedule for the children's flower show in November has been carefully revised and. considerably improved, and it is to be expected that very much better results will accrue. Entries for the;classes in section 1, viz., for exhibits grown under supervision, and for gardens, close, with the secretary on Monday, next.

: 3 A: very 'interesting relic of old Wellington lias just been unearthed in some excavation works which Messrs. T. Ballinger and Co. are carrying out .under their premises in Victoria-street, with a view to erecting a new five-storey building with basement. This is about the site of ■: what "' was known as Pearce's Wharf, which l was used by,': Mr. Pearce, merchant (now of Lev?.' and Co.), as a landing place for goods which were brought ashore in punts from the Home barques lying in the stream. ■ The excavation works, having passed through the loose material of the reclamation period, entered a layer of sand (the : old beach) and then met one of these old punts, dimensions about 40ft by 14ft. The sides were partially torn away, but the bottom and many of the 2in planks -were intact, and some of' the timber, apparently Baltic pine, was well preserved. , The punt was flat-bottomed, and had evidently become silted up and buried in the sand, having outlived the days when these wooden craft were an important : link between the colony and the ocean-carriers.

* The question of commercial education was discussed at:a meeting of the Melbourne Chamber of Manufactures recently, on a request received from the Royal Commission inquiring into the working of the Melbourne University that members should attend meetings of the Commission 'and give evidence. The project was taken up heartily by the members present. In the discussion that took place it was urged that Australian and English clerks compared very unfavourably in educational equipment with German clerks. It was difficult for a German youth to obtain a place in an office unless he knew another language than his usually English or French. In England and Australia, however a youth could enter an office although he had not proper command of his own language. All the speakers considered that the Chamber should encourage the movement for the giving of a higher commercial education at the university, and Messrs. T. Hogg, R. A. Pry or, and I. Jacobs were appointed to attend before the Commission.

The New South Wales Government intend to place a monument over the grave of the late Constable Guilfoyle. On the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, the Colonial Secretary has approved of plans submitted, The plans and a photograph of the proposed memorial were shown to Mrs. Guilfoj'le, who expressed her approval of the suggested form, and her thankfulness for the sympathy and help extended her by the police officials and the men of the force generally. : The monument, which will be a handsome marble

cross, raised on a pedestal, will bear the following inscription:—" monument was erected by the. Government of NewSouth Wales to Denis Guilfoyle, a constable of the Metropolitan Police Force,' who was shot dead while in the execution of his duty on July 19, 1902, age 43."

The Water and Sewerage Board of Sydney have considered two schemes for temporary relief of the water, supply—one to pump water from the Nepean at Penrith/ and the other from Menangie, the first being the Works Department scheme. The Board decided to recommend the carrying out of the Menangle scheme, but the Cabinet decided to enter at once on both. ft will take about four months to lay the pipes and put down the pumps, and, provided works are pressed on with, this should remove actual danger of a water famine for the city. by greatly extending the period for which Prospect will hold out without further aid. Meantime the big dam on the Cataract River, which is to impound 18,200,000,000 gallons of water, is to be immediately begun, and when that is finished and full, such a crisis as threatens will not be possible till Sydney has very largely increased in its present population. ;

A sad story was told at Sydney on August 16 at an inquiry into the circum-

stances of the death of Rosie May Elands, 21 years of age, lately residing with her parents in Rangers Road, Neutral Bay, whose body was recovered from Lavender Bay. It was stated that on the night of "the 7th inst. deceased,: in company with her sister and another person, went to the Centennial Hall, at North 'Sydney. ,/ A young man, with whom she had been keeping company for the past five, months, was also there. At about half-past ten p.m., as deceased and her sister were starting for home, she said, "Wait a tew minutes," and went in the direction of Lavender Bay. She was not again seen alive. The following day her hat and gloves were found on the railway line/near Lavender Bay. Several days later the water police were informed, and dragging operations were commenced. The body was found, fully clothed, and over her heart were pasted two photographs of the young man referred to. In one of her pockets was found a small notebook, containing about 20 pages of pencil writing, couched in most romantic language. There were also several short passages, such as "If you must fall, let us go and meet the danger "and "How can man love but what he yearns to help." There was also a lengthy farewell epistle to the young man and 'her relatives. She said she did not fear to die, as she had never done anything to be ashamed of, and concluded; 'with a parody on the song "Dolly Gray, lie concluding words were : " I cannot bear the pain to stay and see you love another. The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.