Town News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 220, 27 November 1875, Page 14

Town News.

His Excellency the Governor and suite arrived from the South on Wednesday in 11.M.5. Sappho.

Information has been received that Sir Julius Vogel, instead of coming out by the mail steamer leaving England this month, proposes sailing with his family by the first of the boats recently built in Scotland for the San Francisco mail service. This vessel sails for New Zealand via Melbourne, and is expected to make tlie voyage in forty-three days to the latter port. Sir Julius expects to arrive in the colony early in January. A change will shortly he made in one of tlie Wellington evening papers, which on and after the fourth of December next will appear as the Dealing Argus, under the proprietorship of “ Gillon, Kent, and Waters.”

The police have captured two men, named Death and Stent, who, it is alleged, committed

assault and robbery near Whareama. The prisoners are being brought to town. At present we are not in possession of any further particulars. The number of paid telegrams transmitted through the cable of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company (Limited), from Port Darwin, for the two weeks ending October 2!), 1875, were Sent from the colonies, 127 ; sent to the colonies, 133. Of these 0 were sent to New Zealand and three from New Zealand.

The following letter was received from Sydney by a master of one of the vessels iu port, and may be relied upon : —“You have been misinformed about the arrival of the Strathnaver. For about three weeks the report was current here that Mr. Somebody connected with a mercantile firm had seen her in the London Docks, and wo at once telegraphed to London to know if she had arrived, and the reply was, 1 No news of the Strathnaver ;’ aud moreover the insurance company had a telegram from London only a week ago, saying she had not arrived ; and further, only yesterday we had a cablegram from London inquiring about some insurances on the ‘Strath,’ from which wo infer that tlie offices are paying their risks. So I much fear that we shall never hear or see our much respected friend Devy again. I fear she has got amongst the ice. You may correct these misstatements in Wellington, if not already done, by a short paragraph iu the papers.—Sydney November 0, 1875.”

We understand that the Corporation intend carrying Taranaki-street through the Te Aro pa to the Beach, and that Taranaki-street will be widened. The object of this is to complete the road through to high-water mark, in view of the time when that part of the fore* shore will be reclaimed.

No bail lias yet been found for Solomon, who was committed for trial the other day o u a charge of forgery. The bail allowed by the Court was that the prisoner bind himself over in the sum of £SOO, and find two sureties of £250, making a total of £IOOO, a somewhat heavy bail, but not more than is usually demanded in cases of felony. The Easby, which arrived here on Wednesday, has on board the machinery for a paper mill to he established in Dunedin. The machinery was made by Chapman Bros., of Sydney, and came over in charge of Mr. Lynn, who lias been engaged by the promoters to superintend the erection of tlie mill aud manage it when erected. A New Zealand Gazette was issued on Thursday. It contains :—Description, line, and limits of deviation of a portion of the Mosgiel and Outram branch railway, Otago ; description, line, and limits of deviation of a portion of the Winton and Kingston railway, Otago ; appointment of Hartley Mclntyre, Esq., to he an examiner of titles for the district of Hawke’s Bay ; appointment of members of licensing courts, notices, &e.

We are indebted to our spirited and ably conducted contemporary, tlie Wairarapa Standard, for the information that twenty-one immigrants ex “ Hawera ” were brought to the Wairarapa this week. We shall feel more indebted still to our contemporary, if lie will toll us when the Hawera and her immigrants got into Wellington harbor, for singular to state no one here knows of such ail arrival. We trust that in making this request we do not offend. Great excitement occurred on the wharf on Tuesday afternoon, caused by the unruly temper of a few of the horses being shipped by the Hawea. One in particular was very lively and inclined to dance in a very theatrical manner, scattering the onlookers as though there was shell falling amongst them. He was finally brought to grief through falling on his back, after much hopping about on his hind legs. The shock so produced caused him to walk quietly on board. The following is a list of the immigrants expected to arrive by the ship Avalanche : Married couples without children—2 painters, 3 carpenters, 2 laborers, 1 farm laborer, 1 shoemaker, 1 platelayer, 1 gardener. Married couples with children—3 laborers, 1 painter, 1 carver, 5 carpenters, 1 sawyer, 1 chairmaker, 9 farm laborers, 1 turner, 1 miller. Single Men—B laborers, 1 gardener, 1 painter, 3 carpenters, 1 cooper, 6 lads, 1 bricklayer, 3 draymen, 4 blacksmiths, 14 farm laborers, 1 woodman, 1 plasterer. Single women—lo genera servants, 3 nurses, 3 housemaids, 1 dairymaid, 1 cook, 6 young girls, 1 nursemaid.

The return match between the Armed Constabulary and the Star Cricket Club will be played this afternoon at two o’clock. The following are the names of the gentlemen who will represent the Stars, viz., Armitage, Bell, Jordan, Goddard, Houston, Lockett, Mason, Russell, I. J. Salmon, Bishop, and J. A. Salmon. On the same day a match will be played at the Hutt between the second eleven of the Stars ancl tlie Hutt Cricket Club. The Star team is as follows, viz., Turner, Webb, Bond, Belcher, Gell, Adams, Linklater, Wills, Haughton, Stohr, and Mould. A coach will leave he New Zealander Hotel (Mclntosh’s) at one o’clock sharp with the Star team. The Caledonian Society held a meeting in the New Zealander Hotel on Friday, at which a programme of sports, prepared by the subcommittee, was discussed and amended. On the motion of Mr. Pollock, it was agreed that all handicap entries shall he taken on Monday, December 27, all other entries to he taken oil the 31st of the same month, being the day before the sports. Mr. Graham proposed, and it was carried, that Captain Tod, of the ship St. Leonards, be a member of the Society. Mr. Ellaby was made an honorary member for the year, in recognition of his services as secretary. After arranging the price of admission to the grand stand, and other business matters, the meeting concluded. A simultaneous rifle match will take place this afternoon between the Wellington and Nelson College cadets. The following are the Wellington team : —Barton, Brandon, Butts, Martin 2, Meredith 1, Meredith 2, Nicols, St. John, Taylor 2, 11. E. Tuclcey (captain). The distances will he 100, 200, and 300 yards, five shots at each range. There is a target on tlie college grounds, close to the school building, for the use of the W.C. cadets, who number about seventy. The match will take place on Saturday morning, 27th inst. The W.C. cadets will fire at the Adelaide-road butts, and the Nelson College cadets at Nelson.

We have received the first number of the new Scandinavian journal Skandia. It is well printed, and did we understand Scandinavian, we could no doubt bear witness to its contents being varied and interesting. In a prefatory note, in English, to his readers, the editor speaks for liimsolf very sensibly, and says : “We take this opportunity of thanking our English friends for the kind and liberal support they have given us in our undertaking. To those who may have any doubt as to the wisdom of establishing a journal printed in a foreign tongue, we will explain that Skandia aims, not at separating, hut amalgamating the English and Norse elements of New Zealand. It will be the main object of the editor, through the medium of his journal, to make his countrymen acquainted with the language, laws, business, and events of their new and promising home, of which the greater number are and would continue to be ignorant, unless some help were given them in the manner we have indicated. By using all the means at our command, we hope to be able, not only to point out, but to lead our countrymen to that path of prosperity which is the inevitable result of honest and assiduous labor iu this Britain of the South, [and thereby show

them, so that they may appreciate, their new home and the efforts made by the New Zealand Government on their behalf. Wo have no doubt our English friends will continue to use our advertising columns, as much with the object of lending a willing hand as with a view to profit.” The way in which the township of Wellington is spreading is a matter for surprise, no less than congratulation. The process is naturally gradual, and to the unobservant the rapid strides which building has made within a very recent period might appear almost incredible. But to prove how the town is spreading it is only necessary to walk up one of the hills and look down on the city and suburbs. Houses are being built in all directions, the greater number towards Te Aro, and some of these buildings are being erected on the side of the hill that divides Wellington from Evans Bay, and in the vicinity of the half-finished edifice which is to be an English Church. The next step to bo expected towards the enlargement of the town will he in the direction of tiie foreshore as reclamation progresses. The police have discovered a person alleged to have been one of the parties to the fight, which received notice in this paper some days since, but only one, and there was some difficulty in discovering him, as persons who are “wanted” by the police are generally found anxious to evade them. The singular part of the affair is that the man discovered does not know who ho was fighting with. They were utter strangers, and had a difference in the Theatre Royal, which culminated in a set-to of a very disgraceful character. One of the men received a blow or a kick that disabled him for a few minutes, and it is he (the one who got the worst of the battle) that the police have up to the. present been unable to discover, though their exertions have been untiring. One of the latest additions to our local industry is the opening of a saddlery on a rather extensive scale, by Mr. Wiggins, formerly of the Hutt. The new shop is situated on Lambton-quay, on the site of the old shop occupied for some time by Mr. Jones. The old building was pulled down and a new one erected in its place, and Mr. Wiggins has gone to great expense, not only in fitting up his establishment but in acquiring the necessary stock to fill it. It must be admitted that there is a goodly show of the wares in which Mr. Wiggins trades ; in fact, the stock, which is worth over £IOOO, would do more than credit to any town in the colony. Mr. Wiggins lias workshops at the back, well fitted up, and capable of accommodating over thirty men comfortably. Altogether the establishment is a credit to Wellington, and we wish the proprietor every possible success. The newdramatic season at the Theatre Royal will commence on Monday, December 6, under the lesseeship of Messrs. Darrell and Hillsden, and the direction of Mr. Darrell. The season will commence with an unprecedentedly strong combination. Mr. Wheatleigh, the celebrated Irish actor, having been engaged to appear in Boucicault s latest, and from all accounts, greatest success, “The Shaughraun,” whilst those popular artistes, Mr. and Mrs. George Darrell, will also reappear and take part in the representation. Fifteen new scenes, exclusive of the two great sensations, will be painted; and Mr. Massey and a staff of auxiliaries are already at work, it being the intention of the management to mount the drama with a completeness of scenic and mechanical display far exceeding any dramatic production hitherto presented on the New Zealand stage. Another case of ship desertion occurred on board the ship St. Leonards on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. As we learn all the crew have left the ship, leaving but captain, officers . and apprentices, on board yesterday. It is high time some means were adopted to get rid of this serious inconvenenice and pecuniary loss to which shipmasters are continually being put, but what is to be done is rather difficult to divine. The Resident Magistrate, Mr. Crawford, generally makes an example of those men who are brought to Court, but the punishment does not seem to be deterrent in its effect. The Herschel is a notable instance of what expense captains are occasionally put to. If or weeks he was kept here simply owing to his men deserting, and Captain Tod will no doubt suffer very seriously from his men leaving him.

The Thorndon Baths, about which frequent inquiries have been made of late, are almost, if not quite completed, and will be opened shortly, the promoters of the institution havingadvertised for some person to take the immurement of it. Many persons will hail this announcement with pleasure, as the opening of these baths will relieve a want severely felt by a , lar S e section of the public who regard a dionnal swim as a necessary of life, particularly in the summer months. A few there art* so fond of water as to indulge in swimmim* during the winter. The Thorndon baths are well situated, both as to the convenience of a large part of the public and as to the healthiness of the locality, the water there being free from any town excrement. Moreover, the baths take in a large area, so that almost any number of persons can be accommodated at one time, and every care has been taken with a view to the comfort of bathers. The bath will be largely patronised, as numerous inquiries have been made as to when the work of fencin'l- - building was likely to be completed, and we are now well into the summer months. Wellington has now a salt-water bath at each end of the town, so that there will be no reason to complain of a want of means for bathin'* in safety and comfort.

Whoever it is that shuts the door of access to the private-boxes at the General Rost Office was in a great hurry on Monday. A s a .rencral rule the door is left open until S o’clock pm and previously to that hour it is the custom of an urbane gentleman in a responsible position on this paper to clear the box rented by the New Zealand Times. But last night that gentleman came into the Times office at a quarter to eight ; his urbanity quite gone, and' furious wrath having taken its place. On going to the post-office, some minutes previously, he had found the door of the room, in which are tho

private letter boxes, shut. lie .asked to be let see the Editor, and having seen him, demanded that a leader should be written, shewing what a fearful wrong had been committed by closing tho door alluded to above. On being told that it was scarcely a (it subject for a loader, he announced his intention of addressing a letter to Sir George Grey and Mr. Macandrew, who were the men to resist such a trampling on the rights of tho people. He was gradually calmed down, however, by its being represented to him that the bloated official of a tyrannical Government, who had shut the door, was probably in a huiry to get to the theatre to witness tho performances of Mr. E. D. Davies and the Man Fish, or poradventure was going out a walking, or something else.. This calmed down our in bane representative ; but lest he should bo ruffled again, we have to request that a fixed hour for closing* the door may be appointed. I he arrival of the s.s. Has by on Wednesday enabled us to obtain some additional particulars in connection with the heavy gale which was generally experienced over the North Island on the 3rd inst. Captain Kennedy has kindly allowed us to peruse his private remark-book, and we find by it that at noon of that day there appeared but little doubt tho ship was near the centre of the gale. The appearance of the weather was very threatening, with a heavy bank of clouds to the westward, the sky at the time being clear over-head, the wind blowing in puffs, and hauling to the northward, and a long westerly swell was experienced. The barometer at 4 p.m. is registered at 29 - y7; thermometer, 62; wind blowing a hard gale at west. We find on reference to our issue of the 4th inst. that the state of the weather here was threatening all day, without much wind until midnight, when it commenced to blow fresh from the N.W., and a very high tide in the afternoon.

We have been favored with an inspection of the plans of the building proposed to be erected by the New Zealand and Australasian Mutual Provident Society. These plans have been submitted by Mr. Toxward, tne architect entrusted with the work of designing a building for tho new offices of the Society, the present premises have become totally inadequate to its requirements in point of accommodation, no less than in respect of tho high position held by the society in the colony. The plans certainly do the architect credit, and if accepted, the building to be modelled after them will be no less a credit to the company. It is proposed to erect the building on the blank piece of ground adjoining the Bank of Australasia on Custom-house-quay. The structure submitted by Mr. Toxward is of the modern Italian order of architecture, three storeys in height, and 56ft. in length, the front in Hunter-street. There are five windows in the front of the upper storey, and four on the lower. The front is highly ornamented, and the sky line is terminated with a neat balustrade. The chief feature in the plans is an elevated tower, which occupies a corner position of the building, and would overlook the harbor, while two sides would face up and down Willis-street, thus affording an opportunity of having a town clock—a want that has been, and will continue to be greatly felt in Wellington. It is much to be Doped that the society, if this plan should be adopted in its entirety, will see the advisability of supplying this much needed article, while, by so doing, they will add considerably to the appearance and general effect of their offices, although these towers are not, of course, necessary for office purposes, we believe the idea of the architect is to erect a building of a permanent character that will compare favorably with the future architecture of Wellington as the capital city of New Zealand. The internal office arrangements appear to be all that is necessary to carry out the business conducted by the society in Wellington. The principal office is a fine apartment of 35ft. by 20ft., and immediately connected with it are the secretary’s and accountant’s offices. The upper storey comprise a handsome board-room, medical officer’s room, waiting-room, and other necessary official apartments. As stated above, the new building will occupy a very central position in the city, and we shall be happy to learn of the adoption of Mr. Toxward’s plan by the local board. BOARD OF EDUCATION. Wednesday, November 24. The Board met at 11 a.m. Present—The Hon. 0. J. Pharazyn (chairman), Messrs. Andrew, Beetliam, Bunny, Gisborne, Ross, and Toomath. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY AND THE BOARD. Mr. Bunny said in reference to this question that in accordance with a wish expressed by the Board at its last meeting, Mr. Walter himself had consulted with Bishop Redwood and others respecting tho Terrace School. He thought it would lie desirable to adjourn the consideration of tho question so as to allow Mr. Walter Johnston to attend tho meeting of the Board, that gentleman having taken some minutes of what had been done. However, he (Mr. Bunny) might state that tho Catholic authorities objected to take the Grammar School for reasons previously stated, viz., that it was inconvenient and out of the way. They would be quite willing if the Board would build them a school on a site to be hereafter determined to accept that, and conduct it and bear all cost of manar,*ement for ten years, giving the Board the right of superintendence. Mr. Gisborne enquired what amount the Board paid in salaries to teachers of the two Roman Catholic schools !

The Secretary : Over £6OO per year. Mr. Ross remarked that this would he introducing the principle of denominational education, and if they adopted such a plan as this, other churches would be coming and asking for schools.

Mr. Bunny : And a good thing for us if they would. It simply comes to this, that for

a sum of money equal to two years’ salary, the Roman Catholic community will take a school off' our hands and conduct it for ten years without calling upon us for a sixpence in the way of salaries. If other denominations would do the same it would relieve our funds to a great extent. Mr. Ross : And at the end of that time to whom would the schools belong ? Mr. Bunny : The Board. They always belong to the Board. Mr. Toomath : Nominally. Mr. Bunny : Not nominally, but really. Mr. Gisborne referred to the Education Act and said according to that there were to be two classes of schools, viz., those in which were conducted purely and simply by the Board, like the Buckle-street school and others conducted on the denominational system, attended by different denominations, under certain -conditions. He thought that previously tho Act had not been properly carried out. Mu Ross said lie was thoroughly opposed to denominational education. He might almost say he was a secularist. He had studied the matter ever since he had been in New Zealand, and this study, and a glance at the history of education elsewhere, showed him that it was most undesirable. If this system were once began, there would be no end to it. There would be a multiplication of schools, and every school would he more or less at warfare with the others, the weakest going to the wall. The next step would be for the Board to undenominationalise these schools and change the whole thing. This would be a most expensive course for the Board to pursue, and would besides lead to much heart-burning. Mr. Bunny saw no reason whatever why the denominational system should not bo introduced into places like Wellington— centres of population—where all denominations were represented, and where the numbers of the children were so large that there were sufficient to support a school for each denomination. In the country it would be different ; there such a plan could not be carried out ; but if adopted in the towns, would save the Board much trouble.

Mr. Ross said lie believed the Church of England was averse to denominational education as well as other religious bodies, and so far as the Presbyterian Church were concerned, he believed if there was one thing he almost hated, it was this denominational education. He was a thorough going undenominationalist, he might say a secularist, and he said distinctly let the Board at once meet the matter by establishing a system of secular education, leaving religious instruction to be imparted after ordinary school hours, and in any way religious instructors and parents might choose to arrange for. This was if any change was to be made. He was in favor of the present system, which had appeared to give satisfaction, continuing. Mr. Bunny pointed out that the Roman Catholic community had no desire to alter present arrangements, and that it was the Board which proposed to make an alteration which in effect would deprive the Roman Catholic community of any assistance, although they contributed funds to the Board equally with other people. That would be really the effect of the motion by Mr. Beetliam if accepted by the Board. After some further discussion.

Mr. Beetham then moved, pursuant to notice:—(l.) That inasmuch as the Terrace school is the property of the Board, the classrooms other than those specially used for Roman Catholic religious instruction, be placed at the disposal of other denominations for religious instruction, and that in the event of the Roman Catholic Committee declining to accede to this, (2.) that six months’ notice ho given of the termination of the present agreement.

Mr. Andrew moved as an amendment, that the first clause be struck out, and that the second be altered to read as follows :—That six months’ notice be given to the Roman Catholics and Church of England of the termination of the present agreement. Mr. Gisborne moved a further amendment to tho effect that the following words should be added : And that this Board will be prepared to give aid in certain cases to denominational schools under the power and on the conditions stated in the 21st section of the 'Wellington Education Act, 1871. The motion of Mr. Beetliam was then negatived. Mr. Andrews’s amendment becoming the motion, was then put, with the additional clause proposed by Mr. Gisborne ; but On the motion of Mr. Bunny, the discussion was postponed till the end of January. TERRACE SCHOOL. Mr. and Mrs. "Young, of Kaitoki, were appointed to to the charge of this school. BUCKLE-STREET SCHOOL. Mrs. Tarn was appointed to be mistress of this school, under Mrs. Wilkinson. STATE OF THE SCHOOLS TN THE PROVINCE. Ml-. Lee, inspector, mentioned incidentally that he had concluded his annual inspection of most of the schools of the province, and that ho would have a very satisfactory report to make. The city schools had greatly improved, and were now equal to any of the schools in the province. The Board rose at a late hour.

Thursday, November 25. The adjourned meeting of the Board was hold this day, at the usual hour. There were present—Mr. Pharazyn (in the chair), and Messrs. Gisborne, Andrew, Toomath, Ross, and Brittain. The following business was transacted :

A letter from Mr. Hurley, protesting against a resolution of the Board respecting his salary was referred to Mr. Lee to report on. Tenders were received for repairs to the Porirua Ferry Schools; but they were com sulered excessive, and the local committee were authorised to have tho work done by labor. Sundry changes in the teaching staff were made, on the recommendation of Mr. Lee, and the services of several incompetent teachers were dispensed with.

With regard to the half-time schools, the following resolution was carried That, in districts where the settlers aro desirous of obtaining full time schools, to replace half-time schools, or of obtaining more extensive teaching power for small schools, the Board may give to settlers the power of supplementing Board aid by subscriptions paid quarterly in advance. A tender of £271, for erecting teacher’s residence at Wairoa, was accepted. A number of recommendations for new school houses were ordered to stand over until such time as the secretary and inspector could prepare a schedule of the estimated cost of tho necessary new buildings. At tho request of teachers attendin'* city schools, it was agreed that tho Christmas holidays be a week later than usual.

Mr. Dalrym RLE having recommended that twenty-one years’ lease be accepted for a piece of land in the Palmerston district, the Board declined to grant a lease for a longer period than fourteen years, unless in the case where valuable improvements were to be effected. A_ memorial from teachers was received praying that the regulations of the Board relative to the retention of one month’s salary be rescinded. This was agreed to 1»y the Board, tho resolution to take effect from the end of the financial year. An application for a new school at Waitohi, Manawatu district, was ordered to stand over until an estimate of probable available assets was prepared.

Regarding the Brunswick School site, which was reported on favorably by Mr. Lee, tenders were ordered to be called for, the money having been already voted.

The Secretary placed before the Board a statement of works required to be performed, the estimate for which was £7185. After some discussion, to which Mr. Gisborne stated that he had waited on the Provincial Auditor, and the Board would be entitled to £3OOO, six months after the end of the present financial year, it was agreed as follows :—That inasmuch as funds available for building purposes have been appropriated, the Board are unable at present to grant any application involvin'* tlie expenditure of money. Mr. Lee, the Inspector, was given leave of absence, to commence from tho beginning of December, and it was decided to postpone the Board meeting of December until the second Wednesday in January. A number of applications, some for trifling grants in aid, and others from teachers concerning personal matters, were received. At this stage of the business the Inspector mentioned that an error had occurred in the report of the Board proceedings of the previous day, which may be here corrected. Mrs. Tarn was appointed head mistress of the Buckle-street school—not under Mrs. Wilkinson, as was stated.

Mr. Toomath gave notice that he would move in February next, that the Board, while sympathising with every effort made to promote education throughout the province by various religious denominational bodies, is nevertheless of opinion that grants in aid cannot be given to them as such, until provision has been made for public schools of a national character. The Board then adjourned THE LATE FIRE. . inquiry into the origin of the late tire m Mr. Garton’s premises, Cuba-street, was held before Dr. Johnson, coroner, and a jury, in the Victoria Hotel, Abel Smith-street, at 2 o’clock on Monday. Mr. Quick appeared on behalf of the Insurance Companies. Mr. Stafford watched the proceedings on behalf of Mr. Garton.

The foreman having been elected in the person of Mr. Charles Campbell, the jury were sworn in, and then retired to review the remains of the building which was burned on Thursday last. The inspection being over, Harry Smith was called, and, being sworn, deposed : lam a chimney sweep. I remember the fire taking place on the 18th inst. at Mr. Garton’s premises. My attention was called to tile affair at about twenty minutes past two o’clock, when I gave the alarm. I smelt fire, having got up to have a smoke. I live in Cuba-street. I went outside, and saw the smoke coming from Garton’s shop. I saw nobody. I shouted out fire, and then knocked up Garton. I did not find any difficulty in rousing him. He came out dressed in coat and waistcoat five minutes after I began to knock. Garton appeared flurried. On coming out the first thing he did was to go to the frontdoor of the shop, exclaiming “Oh, my poor horse !” I did not see whether he had a key with him. I then lost sight of Garton. I ran into my own house to get my children and sweeping gear out. Next time I saw him I heard Garton say he had got his horse out. Fie was standing at the corner. The Constabulary wore there by that time. The horse was kept in the back. The horse was got out, I believe ; but I did not see it. That is all I know about it. The fire seemed to originate over the shelf over the front door of the shop. That was where the flames seemed to spread from. By the smell, I should say it was flannel that was burning. I did not smell kerosene. I do not know who first got into the house.

By Mr. Stafford : I should say it was about five minutes from the time that I called, that Garton came down. I could not swear that Garton had a waistcoat on. I know ho had a coat on. Tic might have been loosely dressed. I told him tolook sharp and get the horse out. Garton hack by the smoke when he tried to get in at the door. By a Juror : Tho shop was perfectly dark when first I saw it. I could sec nothing but smoke. I saw no light till I reached Carton’s, when the flames appeared to proceed from the shelf over the door.

By a Juror : I had to knock several times at Mr. Garton’s residence before ho answered. He appeared very much excited, but ran as fast as he could to the door of the shop, just inside which tho hose was kept.

By the Coroner : When Carton arrived at the simp door, the smoko in my opinion, was sufficiently powerful to drive a man back. Peter Garrick deposed : I am a shipwright

and live in Abel Smith-street, next door to Mr. Carton’s shop. On the morning of the fire I was asleep. A ery of fire awoke me, and on getting up I saw the reflection of a fire. On arriving at the door I saw a man, who said “ Our front shop is on fire.” It was not Mr. Carton who spoke. He asked me for a bucket of water, the fire at that time just breaking through the roof. I dare say my door may have been open that morning. I never lock it. The wind often blows it open, and that organgrinder chap, living with me, comes home at all hours. My house is insured but not my personal effects. I don’t know any more. Nobody lived in the shop, which was usually closed about seven o’clock. Mr. Carton asked me next day whether it was a Mr. Codber, with specks on, that said the lire was in his shop. I said, “ I don’t know whether lie had specks or eyes.” By a Juror: The man who said, “The fire is in our front shop,” was dressed and did not appear to have got up from his bed in a hurry. Robert Orr deposed : 1 live in Abel Smithstreet, the sixth house from Carton’s shop, which was burnt on Thursday last. Early in the morning—l think between two and three o’clock—l passed by the shop and saw no signs of fire, and smelt nothing to indicate there was one. About half an hour afterwards I heard a shriek, and got up to sec the cause. I looked out of my window and saw a glare, and on going out to see the direction of the fire, discovered that it was in Mr. Carton’s shop. I saw Mr. Carton going towards the fire. Ho was walking. He was accompanied by a man about his own height. It was useless to attempt to do anything towards saving the building, upon which the fire had got a hold.

By Mr. Stafford : I am sure it was not an hour after I passed the shop that I heard the shriek. I was quite capable to judge, because I did not go to sleep after going to bed. I had been at a wedding party, and indulged in the festivities very much. I was certainly in a fit state to judge of the time, seeing that I had only half a glass of beer during the whole day.

Edward Carton deposed : I am a general storekeeper, residing in Abel Smitli-street. I had a shop in Cuba-street, which was burnt down on Thursday last, and which is the subject of this inquest. I left the shop on Wednesday evening last at about half-past eight o’clock. I was the last to leave the shop, and before leaving I turned off the gas at the meter. We had used no light that evening but the gas. There is no fireplace in the building. I had lighted no fire in the shop in any way that evening. I used no fire. I left the shop with Mrs. Carton ; I did not return to the shop. After going down town, I returned to my residence at about a quarter to ten o’clock, and retired to bed before half-past ten o’clock. I was first aroused at about half-past two, by someone knocking at my shutters, and calling out that my shop was on fire. I called out from a side window for one of my shopmen to go to the fire, and I then dressed and went over to the shop. I tried to get in at the front door but could not, owing to the smoke winch drove me back. I had the key with me, but could not get near the door. I managed to get the horse out of the stable, with the assistance of one or two ethers. The horse was only scorched slightly. By this time the Armed Constabulary were playing water on the building. I pointed out to the captain, of the Wellington Eire Brigade the spot where the kerosene was stored, so that he might play upon that part to prevent the kerosene exploding. There were seven cases, containing fifty-six gallons. The cases were already on fire, but the water soon extiugushed it, and the kerosene did not explode. I saved nothing from the premises but the horse. By Mr. Quick : The goods were insured for £I4OO. East September I renewed the policy in the Norwich Union for £4OO, and in the same month insured in the Standard for £6OO, making £IOOO, ' On the sth or 6th of this month I told Mr. Smith, jun., of the Norwich Union office, that I had already spoken to Mr. Wilcox that I should like to take a further insurance for £4OO, at the same time I told him that I had insured in the Staudard for £6OO. I took the last two policies to cover the drapery and hoots and shoes, which I had removed from iny store in Abel Smith-street. At this point of the evidence Mr. Quick said Mr. Carton had not renewed the policy of £4OO, hut had made application for a fresh one. He produced the application, and stated that Mr. Carton was only insured for £3OO at the time he made that application.

Mr. Carton said lie had been insured for £3OO, but increased it £IOO, and was morally convinced that he had renewed the policy for £4OO instead of making a fresh application, as stated.

After some further questioning on tiie part of Mr. Quick, Mr. Carton went to his house and presented the documents representing the renewal of the old policy, and the new one for which he had made application to Mr. Smith, jun. Mr. Stafford : Then you jumped from an insurance of £3OO to £I4OO within the space of five months ? Mr. Carton answered in the affirmative. The Coroner : But Mr. Carton did so because he had within that time concentrated the trade of two shops into one. Examination by Mr. Quick continued : The lease of the premises had to run seven years. The building was about ten years old. It was insured for £2OO. Tam required to put up a new building. The original insurance was £l5O, but in consequence of the additions I had made I was granted an extra £SO. It was my custom to take away the books each night, because I had no safe to keep them at the store, and have one at home. I was not in the habit of going to the store at night. I remember going there about a fortnight ago for a bottle of ohlorodine, being unwell. I was not at the shop early on the morning of Monday, the 15th itist. The goods insured originally for £3OO were groceries, tinware,

and such like. [The witness was then examined as to his other shop, and, in answer to a query as to the value of the goods in the shop burnt down, he submitted a statement of particulars which he had made out for the purpose, stating that if it was desirable he could produce invoices for all the goods marked down. Ho also produced salesmens books. Examination continued: I can form no opinion as to the origin of the lire, further than that it probably was caused by the rats getting amongst the vestas which were kept on the shelf in the front shop. The rats had repeatedly knocked things down from the shelf, bottles of oil having been broken by that means. There wei’e about eight dozen paper boxes containing matches, and one dozen tea boxes. The matches were kept just so that we could put our hands upon them when wanted. No one but myself has access to the building after business hours. I kept the only key by which access could be gained. The time I mentioned was the only time I visited the store late at night during the last six months, and so far as I can remember, never before.

By Mr. Stafford : When I had the interview with Mr. Smith, jun., I allowed him my stock, and told him I had insured in the Standard Company for £6OO. The lease of the building contained a covenant that the lessee should insure the building for £l5O. Previous to the fire I had increased my stock. I had received £470 worth from an Auckland firm, and goods to the extent of £l4O from a Melbourne firm, whilst I have kept my stock constantly replenished by purchases in this town. Charles Wilcox Smith deposed that he was a clerk in his father’s office. His father was agent for the Norwich Insurance Company. Remembered Mr. Carton calling him into his shop the eai’ly part of the month. He said he wanted an insurance for £4OO. Ho was already insured in their office for £3OO. He told witness he was insured in the Standard for £6OO. He took witness over the shop, and showed him the stock. The shop looked well stocked. lam not a judge as to whether it would represent £I4OO. I thought it rather high. The insurance was effected. I know nothing of the value of drapery. Mr. Stafford : But you took the premium nevertheless.

Mr. Smith further stated that the ageut of the company had seen the shop, and had a general idea of the stock thereof. John Jamieson deposed that he was a compositor, working at the New Zealand Times office. The character of his business required him to go home at all hours. On Monday, the 15th instant, he was returning home from work, between 3 and 4 o’clock in the morning. He passed just opposite Garton’s late shop. Saw a man cross the street and go into that shop—the one burnt on Thursday last. Ido not know who the man was. I did not see him open the door ; it was rather dark. The man was a little man, with no coat on. He disappeared in the doorway. By Mr. Quick : Was the man about Mr. Carton’s height ? Witness : Yes; about that height. Formed no opinion upon the subject at the time further than that the object was a man. There was a lamp opposite the doorway. I saw the man stop at the doorway. He knew Mr. Garton by sight, but could not say that the man he saw enter the shop was he. From the position witness occupied, the man could not go up the street, he vanished through the door. James Godber, a storeman at Mr. Garton’s, deposed that he had been employed in the shop which was burnt on Thursday last. Was in the shop at about half-past seven on Wednesday evening last. I left Mr. Garton in the shop. A customer was there also—but of this witness would not he sure. Saw no fire used all that day, except when witness lighted the gas. Mr. Garton always locked up himself, and took the key home. Witness could not then enter the shop, and had never been in the shop after leaving work in the evening. Witness lived in Tory-street, and was awakened by the firebell. By Mr. Stafford : Had been in Mr. Garton’s employ about two months. The place was full of stock. Was surprised to see so much stock in the phi.ee when he came there. He had thought he was coming to what you call a twopenny-halfpenny drapery. Mr. Garton did a good business which required a full stock.

William Bowden deposed that he was a draper’s assistant, in the employ of Mr. Garton. Had been in his employ between six and seven months. He could offer no suggestion as to the origin of the fire. Left the shop on Thursday at about five minutes to eight, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Garton there. Witness had been in the shop on one occasion during the night. That was about three months ago, when he went for a hammer.

By Mr. Stafford : Mr. Garton has a heavy stock. When he first took over the stock six months ago, it was taken at from £BOO to £9OO, and at the time of the fire the stock had increased by £SOO. He should roughly estimate the value of the stock at £I4OO. This was all the evidence, and after brief consultation the jury, through the foreman, announced the following verdict : —“ That there was no evidence to show the cause of the fire.”