TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 741, 14 May 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Jacob Gi lall, mariner, of Wellington, has filed a petition of bankruptcy. Mr J. R Blair, Colonel Butts, and Major Gudgeon have been appointed Visiting Justices of the Terrace and Mount Cook prisons, Wellington, and Mr E. N. Liffiton of the pri=on, VVaugauui.

The Mayor stated last week that the question of the Council’s appeal against the assess, ment for charitable aid had been delayed in consequence of the absence of Mr Wardell. It would very shortly be considered. A Gazette notification appears that the Governor has provisionally recognised Mr August Frederick Castendyk as Acting-Con-sul for the German Empire in Wellington during the ab<euce of Mr F. A. Krull.

The following additions h ive been made to the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act :—Church of England, Rev F. W. Chatterton ; Roman Catholic Church, Rev M. Keenan, Rev J. P. Kehoe ; Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, Rev A. Don.

The A’lned Forces Bill, to be introduced by the Defence Minister during the coming session, consolidates all existing Acts relating to Volunteers, Armed Constabulary, and Militia. Provision is made in the Bill for altering the constitution of the Militia. The alterations proposed are as follow :—The first class Militia will be composed of unmarried men between 17 and 30 years of age ; the second class, married men from 17 to 30, and unmarried m»-n from 30 to 40 ; the third class unmarried men from 40 to 55, and married men from 30 to 55. It is intended to change the title of the Armed Constabulary Torpedo and Artillery forces to that of “the Permanent Militia.” Mr dallance is also going to introduce a Bill entitled the Civil Police Bill, which will consolidate existing Ac sin reference to the police, and will alter the name of the civil police to that of “ the Armed Constabulary.”

Men’s Clothing. —We have imported about 2000 pairs of Men’s Tweed Trousers, and can give a very durable Tweed Trouser for 5/-, Tweed Trousers Extra Strong for 7/6, and All-wool Tweed Trousers for 10/6. Customers should find no difficulty in selecting from our stock of 1000 Trousers and Vests. We commence these as low as 6/6, and can give excellent value at 10/6 and 12/6, being fully one-third less than usual prices. Having made a special purchase of Colonial Manufacture we can offer a lot of Geelong Tweed Trousers and Vests for 19/6, fully worth 27/6. —Te Aro House. We would call special attention to our Stock of Overcoats in Witney, Beaver, Pilot, Tweed, &c., &c.; our prices for these range from 17/6 to 25/-, and we have opened out a splendid lot of Waterproof Tweed Overcoats, marvellously cheap at 25/. —Te Aro House. Through the Care and Judgment exercised in selection, we are prepared to give better value in Men’s Suits this Season than on any previous occasion We are prepared to supply a good Sac Suits for 17/6 and 21/-. Our 30/- Suit is wonderfully cheap. We have 150 Blue Serg Suits from 15/6, and a large and varied Stock of Colonial Clothing, from the Kaiapoi, RoslyD, and Mosgiel Factories.—James Smith, Te Aro House,

Recently in Virginia City, Nev., while a trout was getting a dressing for table use, a silver quarter of a dollar was found among its intestines. It bad been there a loDg time, and had a black coating an eighth of an inch thick.

The Rev Thomas Jackson, rector of Stoke Newington, who thirty-five years ago was designated as Bishop of Lyttelton, New Zealand, but who was not consecrated owing to difficulties which arose about the constitution of the new See, died on the 18th inst.. aged 74.

Our astronomical correspondent “ Obeerver” writes :—There will be another occultation of Jupiter by the moon ou -the night of May 13th. 14th, at 3.30 a.m. Jupiter will be so low down that the occultation will scarcely be so well seen as was the last. The moon will be about two-thirds full.” Notice is given that the City Council at their next meeting will make a general rate of one shilling in the pound, and a water rate of 5 per cent, on annual value of dwelling houses with water laid on, half rates to be charged for houses to which water is not laid when they are within 100 yards of pipes, and for stores, &c. The estimates of the Municipal income and expenditure for the current year are now open for inspection. The Australian Times and Anglo-New Zealander has reason to believe that the Imperial Govern i ent are not indisposed to provide funds for the assistance of a certain proportion of UKemployed married men of the laboring, artisan, and mechanic classes with their families to emigrate, provided the colonial author! ies would receive them and facilitate their settlement on arrival. Any emigrants despatched would be approved by the colonial representatives in London, and the pauper element would stand no chance of sale cdon.

The fifty-second annual report of the Bank of Australasia, with the accounts for the halfyear ending October 12th, 1885, has been published. The net profit amounted to £127,843, in addition to £14,293 brought forward. From these sums the Directors transferred £IO,OOO to the reserve fuud, ard declared a dividend amounting to £120,000, leaving £12,137 to be carried forward to next account.' Notwithstanding the geaeral depression of trade the Bauk’s business showed no material diminution, and examination of branch returns proves the Directors' confidence in the efficiency of the colonial administration.

We are informed by the Secretary of the Hollard Jam Manufacturing Company (Limited) that the shares are being taken up very readily, and that in consequence the list will close on Thursday next, as stated in au advertisement in another column. The storekeepers in this city have not been able to get anything like the quantity of Hollard Bros,’ jams that they have wanted ; and now, to ensure their being able to obtain them at wholesale cost, are taking shares in the Company. The fruit producers should act likewise, for, if supported, the Company will be able to put through as much as £4OOO worth of fruit annually. In a recent lecture on “ Health and the Electric Light,” delivered the Parkes Museum of Hygiene, iu Londou, by Mr Eric S. Bruce, the lecturer stated that the requirements of an artificial light, in order to make it conductive to health, were that it should not be a source of impurity, to the atmosphere ; it should heat the atmosphere as little as possible ; it should be a brilliant bright light, and should be perfectly steady, cleanly, and in no way a danger. Most of those requirements, however, were not met by the forms of artificial 1 ght in use ; indeed, all lights which were dependent ou combustion at the burner were sources of impurity to the atmosphere, and a danger to the public. The electric incandescent lamp was the only light where there they had perfect incandesence without appreciable com' ustion in the lamp. It possessed all the health requirements of an artificial light, such as an inappreciable heat, purity and brilliancy of color, steadiness of light, and immunity from danger of fire. The lecturer having shown bv experiments the advantages of electric lighting over other illumiuants, concluded by tracing the present depression in the electrical market to the experimental nature « f 'he earlier work, the prejudices of the public, and certain drawbacks of the present Electr.c Lighting Act. The Chairman, Sir Joseph Fayrer, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Bruce, said the electric light possessed almost every advantage that was required in an artificial light, and in his opinion it was destined to be the light of the future.

A meeting of the Bryce Reception Committee was held at the City Councd Chambers Monday afternoon. There was a very large attendance, and the Mayor presided. The Committee appointed to draw up an address submitted one, which was approved. Tnis address, it was decided should be presented to Mr Bryce on his arrival here. It was also decided to invice Mr Bryce to a luncheon on some day which would suit his convenience. Mr Arthur Clothier was appointed secretary to the Committee. With a view of meeting any excess of expenditure over receipts that might result, it was decided to obtain a guarantee, and nearly £SO was guaranteed in the room. The Committee adjourned, till half-past 12 next day. A meeting of the Bryce Reception SubCommittee was held at noon on Tuesday in the Council Chamber, his Worship the Mayor in the chair. The Mayor stated that he had been in communication with Mr Bryce, who would arrive by the s.s. Tainui probably at an early hour ou Thursday morning. After some discussion it was resolved to receive Mr Bryce in the Council Chamber, where the presentation would be made, at noon on Thursday. With regard to the public reception, it was decided to leave the date open until Mr Bryce arrived, in order that he might fix a date convenient to himself after his visit to Wanganui. It is probable, however, that t e reception at a luncheon will take place ou Saturday week. The tenders for the catering were opened, and the contract given to Messrs McEwen and Churchill, it being agreed that the Committee should supply their own wines. The prices for tickets to the luncheon were fixed at —Gentlemen, 10s 63 ; ladies, 7s 6d. The selection of the wines was left to Messrs DransSeld and W. R. Waters. Messrs J. Duthie and T. K. Macdonald were deputed to arrange the design of the address with Mr Brandon, and the proceedings terminated.

Regulations for the formation of village special settlements on perpetual leasing, as fixed by Order-in-Couucil yesterday week are published in the Gazette.

The following appointments of Postmasters in the Wellington Postal District are gazett ed P. Scheidt, Bunuythorpe ; J. Canning, Campbelltown ; G. Young, Oroua Downs ; J. W. Lechner, Paikakariki. J. Green has been appointed Postmaster at Croftou, in the Wanganui Postal District.

The Bishop of Wellington has decided to appoint the Rev. T. Fancourt to be incumbent of Johnsonville, the inhabitants of that town and the adjacent country having guaranteed a certain proportion of the stipend,' Mr Fancourt will continue to act as Diocesan Secretaiy.

At the City Council meeting last week an application was made by Mr Hempton, secretary to the Wellington Football Club, for permission to put up boundary ropes on the Newtown Park on Saturday, iu order to keep spectators from crowding on to the field of play when a football match is going on, A. short discussion ensued, and Councillor FitzGerald pointed out that the request was really as much for the benefit of the public as the players. At present, he added, it was a misery to go to a football or cricket match. The request was granted, on division, by eight to two.

A drover in Ashburton, named Gilchrist was sent to prison for four months by Mr Baddeley, R.M., last Tuesday week for cruelty to a dog. The animal, which was a collie, was led by the culprit by means of a Btring round its neck, and as the ligature was excessively tight, the dog naturally rebelled. Gilchrist brutally kicked the animal in the ribs, and continued this gentle sort of persuasion for a considerable time, and in spite of remonstrances by the bystanders. We heartily applaud Mr Baddeley’s action in this case, and we hope onr Wellington magistrates will act with similar stringency in every instance where the dastardly offence of cruelty to animals is proved.

An English exchange thus Bpeaks of the high character and strict principles of the Shetland Island heroine Elizabeth Monat : Elizabeth Monat has declined the offer telegraphed to her by the manager of the Royal Aquarium to come to London to be exhibited and receive visitor*! at the Aquarium. The salary offered was £lO per week, and travelling expenses paid. The heroine of the Columbine is not, as was at first stated, a widow, but an unmarried woman, living with her half-brother, Thomas Hay, a fisherman crofter, on a small frrm at Seatness in the Shetland Islands. The object for which Elizabeth Mouat set forth on her fateful journey was to consult a physician at Lerwick. Last spring she had a stroke of paralysis, and has been ever since more or less of an invalid. In Edinburgh a fuud has been opened for the rescued traveller, whose adventures have been almost unparalleled in seafaring history. On the second day over £SO had been subscribed. The rejection by Elizabeth Mouat of the proposal to make a show of herself recalls the case of Grace Darling, to whom, after the wreck of the Forfarshire, where she distinguished herself [by her heroism, enormous offers were in vain made by managers of London theatres to exhibit herself on the stage.

Many persons in Wellington will read with regret the following notice of the death of Captain Whitson, of the ship Dunedin, from the Otago Daily Times :—“ We regret having to record the death at Oamaru on Tuesday evening of Captain Whitson, of the Shaw, Saville, and Albion Company’s ship Dunedin. Captain Whitson was in delicate health when the Dunedin arrived at Port Chalmers on March 1, and has since beer* under medical care. Indeed he was in so precarious a state that it was not deemed advisable he should proceed Home in the Dunedin ; and his death occurred within 24 hours of the departure of that ship from Oamaru. He was on the wharf when the vessel left, and a slight accident which occurred affected him prejudicially. Captain Whitson has for many years past been intimately associated with the passenger trade between Great Britain and the port of Otago, and hia kindness of heart, manly demeanor, and general courtesy won him the respect and esteem of a very large circle of friends. Captain Whitson was a widower, and leaves two daughters, who are at present in Scotland. He was a native of Montrose.” 16 may be remembered that the first cargo of frozen mutton sent from New Zealand to London was by the Dunedin, which was under the command of Captain Whitson. The shipment was landed in perfect condition, and drew forth leading articles from the Times and other important English newspapers.

A list appears in the Gazette of the successful candidates at the April Civil Service examinations. In the Junior examinations there were 67 candidates, of whom 33 passed. Of those who failed 10 did so in one subject, 16 in 2, 3 in 3 and 5 iu 4. Nineteen candidates failed in English, 10 in arithmetic, 23 in history and 28 in geography. Of the 33 successful candidates, 16 live in the Wellington Provincial district, and of these no fewer than 10 are from Wanganui. The following are their names, with their places in the list, and number of marks out of a possible of 2400 : —No. 3, W. E. Bethune, Wellington, 1570 marks ; No. 4, C. E. Richardson, Wellington, 1525 marks ; No. 10, H. L. WitchelJ, Wanganui, 1452 marks ; No. 11 O. W. Palmer, Wellington, 1428 marks; No. 12, W H. Booth, Wellington, 1397 marks ; No. 13, C. E. Bryce, Wanganui, 1328, maiks; No. 14. A. S. Burgers, Wanganui, 1326 marks ; No. 17, C. E. Archibald, Wellington, 1302 marks ; No. 19, B, M. Wilson, Wellington, 1280 marks ; No. 21, E. E. Purritt, Wanganui, 1248 marks ; No, 22, O. M. A. B eere, Wanganui, 1232 marks ; No. 24, G. G. Bullock, Wanganui, 1200 marks ; No. 25, A. A. Avery, Wanganui, 1197 marks; No. 26, J. W. Swainson, Wanganui, 1162 marks ; No. 30, J. S. Atkinson, Wanganui, 1165 marks ; No. 31, H. R. Woon, Wanganui, 1100. In the senior examination nine candidates were examined, of whom six passed. C. J. Wray, of Wanganui, passed third on the list, with 2711 marks out of a possible 4200 in the subjects in which he submitted himself to examination.

The Appeal Court was occupied all day Monday with the case of Budge v. Dodgson, judgment being reserved. Sergeant McGovern, who will be remembered as having taken an active part in the capture of Winiata some time ago, has been appointed a police inspector of the Kawh a district.

The election of a director for the Government Insurance Association is causing a considerable amount of excitement. It is pretty generally understood that the only candidates will be Messrs G. V. Shannon and G. S. Graham, and an active canvass is being made in the interests of both all over the Colony.

A list of forty-two newly-appointed Justices of the Peace appears in the Gazette. Among them are the following r9sideuts in the Wellington Provincial District :—Messrs W. H. Cox, of Eastown, Wanganui ; J. M. Davie, of Pahiatua, County Wairarapa East; R. Linton, of Halcombe, County Oroua ; Mr Prendergast, of Fitzherbert, County Oroua ; and F. W. Smith, of Paikakariki, County Hutt. The recent experiences of Cornelius Toll, now awaiting his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court, have been lively, if not varied. Toll was committed to take his trial at the January sittings of the Supreme Court, and was acquitted by the jury. He had not been out long, however, before he was arrested, tried, and committed for larceny from the person, and, when he came before the Supreme Court, acquitted. This should have been enough bad luck for an ordinary mortal, but within a week or two after his liberation last month he was arrested for stealing money from a hotel at Pahautanui, and once more committed for trial. This much prosecuted man is now in confinement awaiting the further development of his latest stroke of misfortune.

The following applications for patents have been received W. Pincher, of Wanganui, for a portable railway sleeper-squaring and cant grooving bench ; R. H. Carter, of Bennett’s Junction, for a lift pump, and for invention for securing the ends or sides of watertroughs, boilers, &c. ; W. J. Wilsod, of Warkworth, Auckland, for improvements in Lucop's centrifugal pulverizer ; A. Kelly, of Auckland, for invention for utilising iron sand, and for a damp-proof elastic cement plaster ; A. W. J. Wychodil, of WaDganui, for an eggbeater ; A. Michel, of Rio de Janeiro and Paris, for an apparatus for obtaining acids and gycerine from fatty matters ; R. IV. E. Mc'vor, of Sydney, for improvements in the treatment of nightsoil ; C. A. Wilkins, of Auckland, for a dust-proof watch-key. Much regret will be felt at the news of the sudden death of Mr Robert Burrett, printer and stationer, of Lambtou-quay, which happened about half-past 11 1~ t night week, from disease of the lungs. Mr Burrett was at his place of business in the morning, and retured borne about midday. He was 55 years of age, and a very old resident in this city. He arrived in New Zealand 'in 1863, and resided at Invercargill for two years. In 1865 he came to Wellington, and very shortly afterward opened a bookshop in Mannersstreet. Later on he occupied the shop now in the occupation of Mr Watt, and a few years ago he shifted again to the premises held by him at the time of his death, at the corner of Thorndon-quay and Charlotte-Btreet, where he carried on an extensive business as a bookbinder, lithographer, &c. Mr Barrett’s many good qualities and genial habits made for him many friends, and his decease will be widely regretted in this city, as well as in other parts of the Colony.

The usual monthly meeting of the Hutt Town Board was held at the Town Board office last Monday week. The commissioners present were Mr R. Cleland (in the chair), Messrs Robert Orr, Jame 3 Knight, E. Rosa, and John Cudby. A letter was received from the Government stating that a voucher had been prepared and sent to the Treasury, for the sum of £7, being a refund of one-half of the amount of charitable aid disbursed by the Board for Octoher and November last; ; also informing the Board that the Government could not refund any money on account of charitable aid that had been expended by the Board after the 30th November, 1885, because the entire control of charitable aid had passed from the Government to the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The dog-tax collector was ordered to proceed at once with the collection of the dog-tax. The new valuation roll was received from the Property Tax Commissioner. The sum total of the values for the town district being nearly the same as the last valuation. The Board intend, at their next meeting, to strike a rate of one-half-penny in the £. They consider that this sum will be sufficient to meet the ordinary requirements of the district, and that the subsidy from the Government, under the Local Finance and Powers Act, 1885, will meet the demands for charitable aid, hospitals, &c. The annual social meeting of the Wellington Young Men’ Christian Association was held last evening week at the rooms, AtheDseum. a n excellent tea was provided for the large number present, the following ladies presiding over the tables —Mesdames Draffin, J. Reid, C. W. Smith, W. W. Knowles, F. H. Revel], J. C. Webb, and Misses Buckridge, McEwen, Martin, and C. A. Baker. After tea a programme was gone through consisting of music by the choir aud addresses delivered by the Chairman (Rev W. H. West), the Secretary (Mr W. H. Draffin, and the Revs. Messrs H. H. Driver, J. K. Elliott, and J. Paterson. As this was the first public occasion on which the new Secretary (Mr Draffin) was brought before members of the Association and their friends, a hearty welcome waß accorded him, and were expressed that his connection with the Association would be beneficial to its members and honorable to himself. In his address he sketched what he conceived to he the true aims of a Young Men’s Christian Association, and intimated the future programme of the Wellington Association. In addition to the establishment of chess and draught club 3, it wa3 intended to start evening classes for the teaching of shorthand, foreign languages, history, and other branches of education. He hoped that the Association would soon find the present rooms too small, and that its usefulness would be extended in the direction of finding Christian homes for young men coming to the city, and in establishing an employment agency for both employes and employers. The room was crowded throughout the proceedings, which were of an enjoyable character.

On the voyage out of the ship Oamaru from England, on the 9th April, a steerage passenger hamed William Wilson died of consumption. He was buried at sea.

The Hon Mr Larnach arrived by the Te Anau from the South laet Friday. His Honor Mr Justice Johnston and Dr Hector were also passengers by tbe same steamer. The meeting of creditors in the estate of Messrs J. H. Walhee and Co , last Friday, wgs exceedingly lively, and lasted nearly an hour. The result of the m eting was that a resolution was passed recommending the discharge of the bankrupts. It is satisfactory to see that the Mount Cook School Committee have again started their night school, for lessons in general subjects and drawing. This is a chance of which the youthe of the city who are engaged during the day ought to avail themselves. Capable teachers have been engaged, and the scheme deserves every success.

One of the simplest telephones in existence is in operation in an American village. It is an old telegraph wire, each end fastened to a thin sheet of wood, and its total distance is about a quarter of a mile, extending from the hotel office to the livery stable. Yet, rndeas it is, it serves its purpose admirably, carrying the voice over the wire with clearness, though one has to use some considerable lung power.

The voyage of the Oamaru appears to have been rather an eventful one. Four days after leaving London she came across a dismantled ship, and on tbe 9th April a passenger died of consumption. After this the vessel experienced a series of terriffic gales, in which she lost three masts, some of her sails were torn to ribbons, a boat was smashed, and tbe decks cleared of everything movable. On Thursday night, when in the Straits, the chief steward met with a nasty accident, having two of his ribs broken. A full report of her trip appears in our shipping column. At a special meeting of the Board of Governors of Wellington College last Friday.morning, the result of the conference between the committee appointed by the Board and Mr Mackay, Principal, in reference to the reorganisation of the teaching staff of the College, was reported. It was stated that the saving effected in salaries and expenses would amount to £270 per annum. Mr Kenneth Wilson was appointed head classical master at a salary of £430. There is one more vacancy yet to be filled, that of assistant master, for which a salary of £l5O per annum is offered.

A few weeks ago we alluded to the probable establishment of a Presbyterian Church in the neighborhood of Kent-terrace. It appears now that it will not be long before this will be an accomplished fact. At a meeting held last Friday, at which there were present between 60 and 70 persons, it was announced that the Wellington Freethought Association had generously granted them the use of the Lyceum for their services on Sundays, both morning and evening, for the space of three months from Sunday next, and that the Rev. J. Kennedy Elliott had acceded to the petition of a largely-signed requisition requesting him to become their pastor. It will be gratifying to Mr Elliott’s friends and admirers to learn that his services are not to be lost to "Wellington, and that the efforts made to retain him in this city have been successful.

A meeting of the representatives of the friendly societies of tbe Colony was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall.Lambton-quay, on Friday evening, Mr H. J. Williams in the chair. The following representatives were present : Messrs Clark, Hill, Fraser, Chappie, Riddick, Webbe, Knapp, Webber, W. K. Bishop and A. L. Levy (secretary). The RegistrarGeneral of Frieudly Societies was also present. A code of rules was adopted for a Society to be named the New Zealand Friendly Societies Mutual Fidelity Guarantee Association. These are to be at once submitted to the whole of the friendly societies of New Zealand, with a view to enlisting their co-opera-tion, in order that the Association may be established by July next. The object of the Association is, as its name indicates, to insure the fidelity of the officers of the various societies. A saving of 50 per cent, will be effected on the present rates paid.

There was a full choral service at St. Mark’s Church, Sussex-square, last Friday evening, in celebration of a dedication festival, which was postponed from St. Mark’s Day, as that day fell on Easter Day this year. There was a very large congregation. The officiating clergy included the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, Rev. J. Still, Rev. R. Coffey, and Rev. C. D. de Castro. The Rev. C. D. de Castro preached from the text, Ist Cor. x., 31. The processional hymn was “ Onward, Christian Soldiers,” to Sir Arthur Sullivan’s fine time, surpliced choristers marching up the nave. The canticles were sung to Garrett's service in F, and the anthem was “ A Day in Thy Courts,” by Sir G. A. Macfarren. The choirs of St. Mark’s and St. Peter’s Churches numbering over 70 voices, were combined for the occasion, under the direction of Mr Hantrie West. Mr E. T. Morshead presided at the organ. The “ Hallelujah ’ chorus, from the “ Messiah,” was sung during the offertory, the proceeds of which were in aid of St. Mark’s choir fund.

An invention of some interest to heads of households has been perfected by Mr W. J. Rout, tinsmith, of Manners-street. It consists of an apparatus for extracting coffee by means of steam in such a manner a 3 to preclude all possibility of the beverage being thickened by the refuse or grounds of the coffee. The apparatus, which is made of tin, consists of two compartments or reservoirs, one above the other. The upper one is perforated with small hole 3at the bottom, through which the cold water intended for coffee passes into the lower reservoir. The dry coffee is then placed in the upper reservoir, and the lid placed on top. A gas jet or other heat is then applied to the bottom of the apparatus until steam comes from a vent in the upper compartment. This veut is then closed, and the boiling water rises from the bottom in a few moments. The sound caused by the bubbling water announces that the coffee is made. The apparatus is then removed from the heat, the vent opened, and a clear liquid, without a trace of grounds is found in the bottom compartment. The pure coffee is then ready for drawing off by mean 3 of a tap at the bottom. The extractors are made in tin copper, or brass, in sizes ranging from one pint and a half to three gallons. The prices vary from 3s 9d to £2 15s.

The police appear to have been exceedingly busy on Saturday and Sunday. No fewer than eight arrests were made—an anusually large number. It has been definitely decided that the Address-in-Reply in the Lower House will be moved by Mr Bevan, the member for Hokitika.

A rather sudden death happened on Sunday night at the Hospital. A man named Thomas Buckatone, who was admitted three days ago, died of apoplexy. The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co.’s ss. Tainui arrived at Auckland on Sunday afternoon. The Tainni left Plymouth on the 27th March, consequently she has done the trip in 43 days, including her stoppage at Hobart. Sergeant Ready, as Inspector under the Employment of Females and Others Act, on Saturday made his first visit of investigation to a number of places where females are employed. In ’one or two instances Sergeant Ready found the Act beiog infringed.

Some little delay was again caused on Saturday last at the Resident Magistrate’s Court through the non-attendance of the Justices whose names were on the rota for that occasion, ultimately Messrs E. B. Baker and A. L Levy’s services were obtained, and the work disposed of. The Rev. J K. Elliott, late pastor of Presbyterian Church, New!own, conducted divine service, morning and evening, at the Lyceum, Tory-street, on Sunday. Both services were exceedingly well attended. The rev. gentleman will continue his ministrations in the Lyceum until the church, about to ba erected iu Kent-terrace is finished, probably three months hence.

“ Money and Misery ” was the alliterative title of an interesting and humorous lecture delivered by Mr Crook at the Lyceum Sunday night. Owing to the wretched weather there was only a moderate attendance, but this did not deter the lecturer from keeping faith with the public and dealing with his subject in an entertaining manner. The Lyceum Band also enlivened the proceedings. The R.M.S. Mararoa arrived from Sau Francisco at Auckland at-half-past 4 o’clock on Sunday morning with the English mail, which was delayed for a week owing to the accident to the White Star steamer Britannic between England and America. The Southern portion of the mail was despatched from the Manukau at 11 o’clock on Sunday forenoon by the Rotorua, which arrived here Monday afternoon. The following tenders have been received by the Public Works Department for the Te Rore and Whata Wh .ca Bridges Painting Contract :—Accepted—G. Gapes, Te Aroha, £2BO. Declined —T. Rees, Auckland, £347 ; Martin, Hamilton, £398 ; Aubin and Ahier, Alexandra, £429. And for the Kai-koura-Waiau Road (Greenhills and Charwell Sections) Contract :—Accepted— Meikle and Hale, Amberlev, £529. Declined—W. Wertaman, Kaikoura, £755 ; T. Shannon, Waikari, £BO2 ; Mackle Bros., Kaikoura, £944 ; P. Honey bone, Waikari, £969. A man named Simpson, employed at Te Aro House, met with a nasty accident on Custom-house-quay on Sunday afternoon. Mr Simpson was riding along the quay with a friend, when his horse, happening to go on to a portion of the Btreet which is paved, slipped and tell on its near side, comiDg down on the rider’s left leg. Mr Simpson was at once picked up, and was attended by Dr Collins, who ordered his removal to the Hospital. When there, it was found that he had sustained no more injury than a severe shock. Following 13 a list of candidates who passed the law examinations in March last : Barristers—James Allison Beattie, Christchurch ; Owen James Hodge, Dunedin ; John Houghton, Auckland. Solicitors—Adam Anderson, Invercargill; Launcelot William Andrews, Invercargill ; Percy Edward Baldwin, Dunedin ; Alfred Richard Barclay, Dunedin ; George William Basley, Auckland; Robert Corbett, Auckland ; Solomon J. Frost, Nelson; Andrew T. Magmnity, Nelson ; Robert Gilkiboq, Dunedin ; Alfred Henderson, Auckland ; Edmund Lee, Napier ; Frederick Pratt, Christchurch; Robert Ward Tate, Christchurch ; Donald Urquhart, Invercargill ; George T. Wood, Christchurch ; Norwood Young, Christchurch. As one of the results of the recent agitation in reference to extending the railway to Te Aro, his Worship the Mayor has received the following letter :—“Public Works Department, Wellington, 7th May, 1886. —Re Te Aro Reclamation. Sir, —As it appears that it is the intention of the City Council to proceed with a further portion of the reclamation at Te Aro, and that plans and specifications for the proposed work are now being prepared, I should be much obliged if you would kindly furnish this department with copies of the plans referred to, so that the Government may be in a position to judge whether the work will in any way interfere with the projected extension of the Government railway to the Te Aro end of the city. I have, &c., Edward Richardson, Minister for Public Works.”

A public trial was made on Saturday forenoon of “ Klingenstein’s Patent Perfect Safety Fire Extinguisher,” a liquid with similar chemical properties as those possessed by the hand grenades, which were tried here some time ago. The trial took place on tbe Thorndon reclaimed ground, opposite the Government Printing office, where a structure about 7ft by sft composed of packing cases was set up, forming a shed. The interior was thickly coated with tar, and a pile of tarred paper placed within, after which a quantity of kerosene was sprinkled over the whole. When ignited, the flames almost instantaneously got complete hold of the Bhed, but not until total destruction seemed inevitable was the liquid applied. A common garden syringe was used for this purpose, the liquid being taken from an ordinary galvanised iron bucket. The first application of the extinguisher had a powerful qffect on the flames, which gave place to a dense yellow smoke. The fire was practically out in about a minute and a half, hat nearly a gallon of the liquid was used before the shed was thrown down. The trial was very satisfactory, and took place under the superintendence of Captain Whiteford of the local Fire Brigade. Amongst the spectators were the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, hi 3 Worship the Mayor, and Councillor Williams, and representatives of several insurance companies.

By the Oamaru, which arrived last Friday, a battery of six Armstrong guns arrived, consigned to the Colonial Secretary.

The result of the election of wardens of the Karnri-Makara Road Board is—No. 1 Ward, F. W, M. Dowsett ; No. 2, A. Lewer ; No. 3, J. McMeuemen ; No. 4, P. Trotter ; No. 5, H. Cook. The funeral of the late Mr Robert Burrett took place on Sunday afternoon. A very large number of people took the opportunity of paying a last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased gentleman. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev J. Still.

The Wellington Young Men’s Christian Association have undertaken a new and important duty, that of putting respectable unemployed persons in the way of finding work. Mr W. H. Draffin, the newly-appointed General Secretary, is taking a great interest in the scheme, which is an extremely praiseworthy one. Every precaution is to be taken to ascertain the business capacity and character of applicants for employment, in order that the Association may only get on the register-book which is to be kept, the names of men whom they can safely recommend to employers. The Secretary informs us that there are now calling daily at the Association’s rooms men bearing evideuces of great respectability, who are not only in want of employment, but are in many cases almost destitute. The Association is not in a position to relieve such, bat if any friends are generous enough to place the means at their disposal they will discharge the duty faithfully. The most satisfactory act of kindness will be an offer of work, and employers of labor who require men will do well to second the efforts of the Association.

The following is a complete list of the recently-appointed Justices of the Peace : Messrs George Allan, of Lumsden, County Southland ; John Aspinall, of Skipper’s, County Lake ; James B ggs, of Greenstone, County Grey ; Arthur Hylton Brisco, of Geraldine, County Gera'dine ; Hugh Duucanson Buchanan, of Little River, County Akaroa; Felix Campbell, of Greymouth ; Edward Chapman, of Springbank. County Ashley ; Walter Henry Cox, of Eastown, Wanganui ; Croslegh Dampier - Crossley, of Woodend, County Ashley ; John Mortimer Davie, of Pahiatua, County Wairarapa East ; Timothy Gallagher, of Westport ; James Gapes, of Christchnrch ; George Gossett, of Leestoo, County Selwyn ; William Gregg, of Dunedin ; Patrick Michael Griffen, of Greymouth ; Charles Hall, of Woodville, County Waipawa ; Louis Walter Hood, of Chatham Islands , Henry John Horrell, of West Eyreton, County Ashley ; David Howell, of Mount Pisa, Cromwell ; John Elliot Hutton, of Livingstone, County Waitaki ; George Frederick Linn ell, of Kaiwaka, County Hobson ; Robert LintoD, of Halcombe, County Oroua ; John Harks, of Haast River, County Westland ; John Cuuningham MeCausland, of Rotorua County, Tauranga ; Thomas Clark McE'roy, of Mercer, County Waikato ; Donald McGregor, of Hampden, County Inangahua ; Henry Walter Moore, of Geraldine, County Geraldine ; Mathew Morton, of Kakanui, County Waitaki ; Robert Henry Pearpoint, of Geraldine, County Geraldine ; Henry William Perryman, of Tai Tapu, County Selwyn ; Joseph William Poynton, of Dunganville, County Grey ; Michael Prendergast, of Fitzherbert, County Oroua ; Nathaniel Thos. Prichard, of Grovetown, County Marlborough ; Clarence Rennell, of New Plymouth ; Dennis Ryall, of Barrytown, County Grey ; Francis Wilson Smith, of Paikakariki, County Hutt : Donald Mackenzie Spedding of Dunedin ; John Swanson Sprent, of Dunedin ; -John Edward Thacker, of Okain’s Bay, County Akaroa; John Thompson, of Lawrence ; Hugh Sutherland Valentine, of Gore, County Southland ; William White, jun , of Sydenham, Christchurch ; John Win, of Dovedale, County Waimea ; James Bart Wingfield, of Alexandra South : Frederick Herbert Wilson, of Cnlverden, County Amuri ; and Thomas Wrigley, of Tauranga, A trial with a model of what is known as Cassel’s patent electrolytic gold saving apparatus was made last Friday afternoon on the back premises of Mr J. E. Hayes, Lambtonquay. The apparatus consists of an oblong box or reservoir, in which another reservoir of a circular or polygonal shape revolves. The inner reservoir forms the anode or positive compartment in which the auriferous ore previously pulverised, is placed. This inner reservoir is provided all round it 3 periphery with porous plates, which admit of the passage of the electric current, but prevent the liquid and ore contained therein from escaping. It is further provided internally with carbon rods, which are electrically connected together, and form the anode, placed against the inner surface of the porous plates, and extending all round at short distances apart, so that as the reservoir is revolved the ore is thoroughly stirred up and brought into contact with the carbon rods. Both compartments being now filled with a solution of chloride of sodium (sea water) to about the same level, and a current of electricity passed from the inner to the outer compartment, the chloride of sodium solution in’the inner compartment decomposes, chlorine gas being evolved at every carbon rod in oontact with the solution, and the chlorine, having a strong affinity for gold, immediately combines with every particle of that metal in its immediate 'vicinity, and forms chloride of gold, so that at the eßd of the operation the solution of chloride of sodium has been transformed into a solution of chloride of gold, from which the gold in the metallic state may be precipitated by means of the usual re-agents. In the test yesterday a Bunsen battery was used. A small quantity of gold was mixed with sand and thrown into the reservoir together with the necessary quantity of salt water. The aperture of the reservoir was then closed, and the contents subjected to a rotary motion sufficiently protracted to allow of the particles of gold to come ia contact with the carbon rods. The liquid (chloride of gold) was then drawn off, and precipitated by means of sulphate of iron. The invention, although well known and extensively used in the United States, is new to this Colony, where it Bfaould prove of great value in extracting gold from auriferous sand, of which immense quantities abound on the West Coast of the Middle Island. It is probable that some tailings from the Terewhiti mines will be tested by means of this process.

1 The New Zealand Shipping Company’s R.M.S. Tongariro left Plymouth for Port Chalmers on the Bth inst. She will call at Madiera and Cape of Good Hope. Mr Paul Coffey, boat builder, of Clyde-quay, is engaged in building a steamer which will be twice the size of tbe Gordon, recently sold to the Government. Mr Coffey expects to launch the vessel in about nine weeks. She is to be used for harbor purposes.

Captain Fukushima and some of the officers of the Tsukuba came ashore on Tuesday morning, and paid their respects to His Excelieucy the Governor. At 12 o’clock tbe Tsukuba ran up the British flag and saluted it with 21 guns, the compliment being returned shortly afterwards by the Kaiwarra Battery.

Mr John Thompson, as solicitor for Eveline Sawkins, on Monday filed a pel icion for dissolution of her marriage with George Thomas Sawkins, on the ground of adultery and desertion. The respondent delivered a number of freethought lectures here some time ago, and has until recently been engaged as editor and manager of the Napier Evening News.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutt County Council a letter was received from the Colonial Secretary’s department, asking for suggestions by way of amending the Codlin Moth Act. The members of the Council heard the letter read, and then one Councillor asked whether that was the insect that ate the wharf piles. Another gentleman dismissed the subject very emphatically by suggesting that the matter should be left to Dr. Hector, who was paid for that kind of work. The Council apparently agreed with this suggestion, and allowed the matter to fall through. At the Drillshed Tuesday night the usual monthly inspection of the D Battery of Artillery was held. The men were inspected by Colonel Butts, who expressed himself in terms of the hi.hest praise as to their appearance and general efficiency. He als • spoke very highly of the manner in which they had conducted themselves at the late encampment at Wanganui, both while on duty aud on leave. After this they were pur, through some guu drill, acquitting themselves admirably. There were on parade 40 rank and file, made up as follow:—2 officers, 5 sergeauts, 1 trumpeter, and 32 men.

Mr Cummings has ju-it finished to order of the Wakatu Rowing Club (Nelson) a whaleboat built according to the rules of the Auckland Regatta Club. She is 35ft long, 19in deep amidships, 4ft beam, and 9in sheer. She is to have a carv.J streak past the water-line, and two narrow clinker streaks on top. She is built of kauri, very - strong and light, varnished, and complete in every detail. She appears to have all the qualities of a very fast boat, and Mr Cummings is to be commeuded.for his work. The* whaleboat is to compete at the next Auckland regatta. Mr Cummings has also on hand an order for an inrigged racing four for the Picton Rowing Club.

A meeting of the Hutt County Council was held on Tuesday. There were prf sent Councillors Perkins (chairman), Falkner, Brown, Monaghan, Chew, Speedy, Taylor, Wakeham, and Jones, The Inspector of Roads submitted a report on the condition of ;he road in front of Mr Bramley’s property. It was dangerous, he considered, for about four chains, and he recommended an expenditure of about £l6 in laving drains. Up">a discussion it was decided to leave the matter'in the hands of the Councillors for the riding. A letter was received from the Secretary to the Hospital Trustees enclosing four in and eighteen ont-patieDt tickets for the Hospital, with an intimation that more could be obtained. It was decided to leave the tickets with the Council Clerk, with power to sign on behalf of the Council. A lengthy discussion took place in this connection upon the question (raised by Councillor Falkner) whether any one councillor could make a recommendation ou behalf of the Council. A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary’s Department asking that the Council would make suggestions for such amendment of the Codlin Moth Act as would tend to assist the eradication of the pest. No action was token.

The usual meeting of Trustees or the Benevolent Association took place in the Council Chamber on Tuesday afternoon. Present—The Rev H. Van Staveren (in the chair), his Worship the Mayor, Messrs Danks, and A. Wilson. The Relieving Officer (Mr Johnson) reported several cases in which he had afforded temporary relief, and his action was approved, A week’s board and lodging was granted to an old soldier, 65 years or age, who was reported to be willing to work if he could get employment. Ten shillings a week was granted for the support of a baby put out to nurse iu consequence of the loss of its mother. In the case of the lad Wilkinson, it was stated that the captain of the Ruapehu wa3 unable to find employment for him, and there was no present chance of the Ne .v Zealand Shipping Company doing any'. ><., s for him. It was decided to allow Pat Mc. Jaforty to be put on the weekly relief list. In the case of a woman with five children who sought relief, it was stated that she had come from Napier to join her husband in Wellington, but that he had met with an accident, and gone into the Hospital, leaving his family destitute. It was resolved to afford temporary relief, but to refer the case to Napier. Correspondence was read concerning complaints made by one of the men rationed at a restaurant in town. The man stated that he would rather die than continue at the place, as he was in bodily fear of the proprietor. The proprietor wrote denying the charges, and sent in a written statement signed by some of the boarders bearing out his version of the matter. As the man had found an asylum elsewhere, no action was taken, The Treasurer acknowledged receiptor a cheque for £6 from the Committee of the late Press Library, and resolved to convey the thanks of the Trustees to Mr Archibald for the gift. On the motion of Mr WHsod, seconded by Mr Danks, it was agreed to accept the tender of Mr Barry, of Willis street, for boarding aud lodging the old men, the prices being 14a per week, 2s per day, 6d per meiu, ana. Is per bed. It was decided to call for tenders for funerals, the Rev H. Van Staveren and Mr A. Wilson to affix the seal of the Society to the contract. Accounts amounting to £3B 15s were passed for payment. It was stated that £34 12s of this sum represented the lodging account for the month as against £4S 12-0 6d last month. This was considered to be very satisfactory, and the Trustees adjourned.

J. Sbuarfc Reid, of Wellington, insurance agent, has filed a petition of bankruptcy.

The Garrison Band did not perform their announced programme cn the Basin Reserve on Sunday afternoon, in consequence of the •wet weather.

Dr H. J. Speer publishes a copy of his credentials as Doctor of Medicine of Harvard University, with attesting of the British Consul at Boseod. The originals of the documents have been shown to us.

Donations of £6 each have been received by the Treasurers of the Benevolent Society and the Alexandria Home from Mr Archibald on behalf of the members of the late Wellington Press Library. Mr William Linden, the steward of the ship Oamaru, who had two or his ribs broken through the sudden lurching of the vessel the night previous to her arrival, is getting on as well a 1? can be expected towards recovery. Two men named George Barry and James McKeever raised a little excitement in Willisstreet on Sunday by a pugilistic display. They were arrested.

Messrs Stout, Bailerce, Tole, Richardson, and Larnach paid a visit to the Japanese warship Tbukuba on Tuesday afternoon. The party were conveyed to and fro by the Government steamer Ellen Ballance. The Government have purchased the steamer Gordon from Mr P. Coffey. The boat is now on the Slip undergoing inspection, and in a day or two will leave for Lyttelton,, where she is to be used in connection with the defence works.

Dr V/. L'ncn, M.R.C.A, England, etc., residing in Pipitea-street, Wellington, gives notice of his intention to apply _to be registered under the Practitioners Registration Act. Dr Dunn will. practise as a surgeon and homoeopathic physician. The Hi nemos, arrived from Auckland on Wednesday last with Messrs Dignan, Swanson, “ and Sbrimski, memb -rs of the Legislative Council ; and Sir Maurice O'Rorke (Speaker) and Messrs Moat, Whyte, Mitchelson, W. F. Buckland. Hamlin, Fisher, and Colonel Fraser, members of the House of Representatives. The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances attending the loss of the sa. Taiaroa occupied the attention of Mr ritrat-ford, R.M! , and the nautical assessors some hours on Monday at the Resident Magistrate’s Court,. It was ultimately further adjourned till Wednesday to allow Mr W. T. L. Travers to be present. Mr Alfred Gilbert h»3 been appointed district agent for the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. The liberal regulations and undoubted security offered by the office should merit a large share of the bn-iness to be obtained in this district in spue of the violent competition that at present , exista between rival companies here. The following tenders have been received by the Public Works Department for the Wanganui prison contract : —Accepted : M. Burgess, Bulls, £1863. Declined : A. A. Keys, Auckland, £1984 ; W. Gifford, Wellington, £2120 ; S. Cliff, Hew Plymouth, £2lßl ; M. Spurdle, Wanganui, £2190 ; R. Kay, Auckland, £2291 ; G. M. Handcock, Auckland, £2324 ; Smith and is elson, £2425 A large number of the crew of the Japanese warship TsuWaba came ashore Tuesday evening. Their orderly conduct and neat appearance were the subject cf general remark. They appeared to take great interest in the toy and fancy dealers’ shops, into which they thronged in batches of five or six. The men were often seen surrounded by small boys, whose attentions were received with the best possible humor.

Sufficient progress ha 3 been made with the erection of the Star Boating Club’s shed to euable the public to judge of its external appearanee. It seems to be a very handsome and suitable building, and will no doubt, when completed, be the envy of nearly all the colonial boating clubs. The contract date expires this month, but it- is impossible that the work will be finished berore fully six weeks have elapsed.

Judging by the number of pupils already enrolled at the Mount Cook School, the efforts of the Committee to encourage further education amongst those who have left day schools for business promise to be highly successful, the fees have been fixed low, with the object of attracting as many as possible. Arrangements have he.-n made for all who desire to study special subjects. The school opened last Monday evening, when over 100 pupils were enrolled.

At the conclusion of the City Council meeting Tuesday evening, the Mayor remarked that a Japanese warship was now in the harbor, and he suggested that as on the last occasion of a similar nature the members of the Council had paid certain civilities to the visiters, they should take an opportunity of going to see the captain and offering him their respects, &c. He mentioned that the interpreter on t-fee vessel was the gentleman who had been here on a previous occasion with a Japanese warship. They might go, he thought,.not to present an address, but simply as the Mayor and Councillors of the city. Councillor Petherick said the members of the Harbor Board bad decided to pay a visit to the vessel also, and he was sure they would be glad to have the Councillors with them. The members ot the Council appeared to fall in with the suggestion of the Mayor. In answer to a question, hi 3 Worship said the time could be fixed afterward.