TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 746, 18 June 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Hinemoa took three heavy guns and a quantity of railway material to Auckland yesterday week. It is understood that the display of our harbor defences by means of a sham battle will take place to morrow,

lospector Browne, who returned last Friday by the Te Anan, after having an enjoyable six weeks’ holiday in Victoria, resumed active charge of the Detective Department of the the City Police Force on Monday. The annual meeting of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company (Limited) will be held on Wednesday, the3och instant, at the Athenaeum Hall, at 8 p.m. The business will be to receive the report and balance-sheet, and to elect directors and auditors.

Mrs Smith, formerly of the Post Office Hotel, has purchased the Commercial Hotel, opposite the Empire Hotel, in Willis-street. The house has recently been renovated, and, as Mrs Smith is favorably known, she is sure to receive a large share of public patronage. In the course of a reference last Friday to the ancient customs of the Maoris in selling lands, Mr Hakuene said his ancestors, used to sell 400 or 500 acres of land for an iron pot, and eight or ten acres for a gun. It would appear from this that the Natives of those times were not as keenly alive to the respective values of an iron pot and a gun as they probably would be found to be now, bat doubt on that head was dispelled by the bon member adding, by way of explanation, that the iron pot would be used by fourteen generations !

A committee meeting of persons interested in the formation of a new Volunteer corps was held last Friday night in Messrs Cooper and Steward’s office. It was stated that, the re-: quisite number of members had been obtained. It was generally understood that Captain Marshall will take command of the corps. It -was decided to hold a meeting next week to take the names of those wishing to be enrolled. It was also stated that early application will be made to the Government to be enrolled ns a Volunteer corps. This was all the business transacted. The Mayor entertained the officers and members of the City Council at dinner on Friday last, at his residence in Tory-streefc. Most of the members and officers of the Council were present, and the dinner wab a most successful and enjoyable one. -*-h8 principal toasts proposed were a 3 follows : “Her Majesty the Queen” and “His Excellency ttie Governor,’’ proposed by the Mayor ; “ Wellington and its Commercial future,” by Councillor Fitzgerald, responded to by Councillor Richardson ; “ The Harbor Board,” by Councillor Quick, responded to by Councillor Petherick ; “ The Old Identities, by Councillor Coombe, responded to by Councillors McKenzie, Petherick, and Smith ; “ The Mayoress,” by Councillor Edwards; and “ The Mayor,” by Councillor Danks. The “ Town Clerk,” “ City Treasurer,’ and * The Ladies,” were also toasted. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Hospital Trustees took place yesterday week, in the Council Chambers. There were prosgnt—Messrs F. H. Fraser (in the chair), Willeston, Williams, Kebbell, Perkins, and Gaby. The Chairman stated that the icemachine had not proved so successful as had beau wished, and he had directed the carpenter to send it back. Mr Kebbell suggested that £ISOO. half the amount asked, be offered for the machine, for, though not as good as expected, it might be useful m emergency. Mr Gaby considered it would be better to return the machine and have a new one imported from Home. This proposal met wit.h favor. The Chairman Btated that there. were no sufficient surgical instruments at the disposal of the Hospital. Upon inquiry, it was found that £IOO would be needed to purchase the necessary instruments. On the motion of Mr William?, seconded by Mr Willeston, it was decided that the instruments be procured. The amounts due to tradespeople amounted to -C1412 14s for the months of February, March, and April. The Secretary stated the amounts would be paid in a weeks time. During the past month 49 pints spirits and wines and 75J pints malt consumed, showing a decrease of pmts per patient as compared with the c ° r ' 3S P°“ d month last year. It was . reported tha*. w accordance with a resolution passed at last meetiDg, notice had been given to so “ e “ e “' bers of the house staff. It was decided that applications be received up to noon on the 23rd for the position of honorary surgeons. Mr Williams moved, seconded by Mr Gaby, that the Public Works Committee be instructed to make provision, for a children s ward, in addition to other arrangements. This was agreed to. It was decided that Dr GH»bham, of London, late Inspector, be communicated with, asking him to purchase toe required surgical instruments, and also to• see about a proper and serviceable ice-machine for the use 1 of the Hospital. The meeting then went into committee.

, - r , n . rWTVG We have imported of ken'. T-users, fo n r d s/-?Tweed Trousert Extra Strong for 7/6, All-wool Tweed Trousers for 10/6. Customers should find no '» as 6/6 and can give excellent value at 10/6 and 12/6 being fully one-tliird less than usual prices. Having made a special purchase of Colonial Manufacture we can offer a lot 0 t Geelonv Tweed Trousers and Vest 3 for 19/b, fnllv worth 27/6.— Te Aro House. We would call special attention to our rof Tweed Overcoats, marvellously cheap at 25/. —Te Aro House. Through the Care and Judgment exercised in selection, we are prepared to e ive better value in Men’s Suits this Season than on any previous om !uit is wo|derfully cheap. We have 100 Bl f® S | r fc g from 15/6, and a large and varied Stock Ol Colonial Clothing, from the Haxapoi, Roslyn and Mosgiel Factories. — James Smith, 1 Aro House.

The appointment is gazetted of Major Charles Goring Minnitt, late H.M. 38th Regiment, as. Musketry Instructor to the New Zealand Volunteer Force. The Treasurer of the Hospital acknowledges ■ the receipt of a donation of £5 5s from the Southern Cross Lodge of Oddfellows acd c£ £2 2s from the Tailors’ Society. Mr Thomas Calvert, the well known publisher of “ Who 3 Who,” has been appointed secretary to the Te Aro Loan, Diecount, and Investment Company. His well known energy fits him well for the important office. The following tenders have been received by the Public Work 3 Department for the Cox’s Creek bridge approaches contract : Accepted : A Maguire, Auckland, £1785. : Declined : E. Pascoe and Co, Auckland, £ISOS ; J. Cheyne, Auckland, £1936 ; C. Grroßvenor, Auckland, £2241 ; Conlon and Ryan, Auckland, £2283 ; M. Shanahan and Co, Auckland, £2573 ; Cleghorn and Rosser, Auckland, £2602; Woolley and Brown, Auckland, £2665 ; W. Blewden, Auckland, £3500. _ The amount of spirituous and malt liquors consumed at the Wellington Hospital for the month of May last was as follows Wines and spirits, 49 pints ; ale and beer, 75J pints ; number of patients supplied, 229 ; average per head ; spirits, pints, malt liquor, 3J pints. For the corresponding period last year the average was 5J pints of spirits aud pints of malt liquors to each patient. The figaree this year contrast very favorably with those of last year, and indicate a considerable saviog in the liquor bill. In the course of the bankruptcy sitting of the Supreme Court on Saturday, Mr Jellicoe drew attention to the smallness of the costs allowed to counsel in Wellington as compared with other places. He observed that £3 03 was allowed down South, while in Wellington only £2 2s was granted. The Official Assignee remarked that a 3 a rule the estates down South wer6 fat ones. Mr Justice Richmond remarked that ae the Chief Justice only allowed £2 2s be was not prepared to grant more. He thought, however, that in large estates the fees should be higher.

Mr Taylor created a great deal of amusement in the House la3t week by bringing up a question of privilege. He had, he said, to bring before the House what he called an insult to himself or to any new member of the House. The hon geatleman, as he spoke, flourished a note which he had received, and • which, he said, was a sham note, “ having, m fact, no reality at all,” inviting him “ to come out-ude and give information about this, that, and the other.” Hon members, he said, would agree with him that tney diun t come to Wellington to “ ape the monkey,” but to go on with the business of the country ; and tney had no more right to play with him because be was a new member than if he was an old member The Speaker suggested that the hon member should confer with him on the matter. Mr Taylor agreed to do this. An address of symp ithy was cabled to Mr Gladstone on Saturday by several members c. the General Assembly. It was worded as follows Gladstone, London. —Our sympathies with you.—Grey, Montgomery, Stout, Atkinson, Macandcew. Fifty members of the General Assembly New Zealand. We learn* from Mr O’Couor, M.H.R., who originated the movement that the address was signed by the following members : Baillie, DS M,S» Buckley, Bathgate, Keevg, DDnan, and Wilson, M.L.C. s ; Sir M. O’Rorke, Sir R. Stout, Sir G. Grey, Major Atkinson, Meesrs Ballance, Tole Larnac , Montgomery, Macandrew, Mitchelson, Cadman, Dargaville, Locke, Moss, Thompson, Samuel, Bruce, Fisher, Wilson, Levestam, O'Conor, Dodson, Holmes, Ivess, Reese, Steward, Taylor, Turnbull, Guinness, Brown, Duncan, Hislop, Joyce, L McK.n. e, Fyke, Ross, Smith, Hakuene, Pere, le Ao, and Pratt, M.H.R.’e. , . . , The new way to Upper Tinakort-road appears to be completed ; at any rate the new road is open to traffic, and has been used by a few vehicles and pedestrians. Considered «*s a piece of engineering work, it does no.credit to the city. The gradient is uneven and too steep, and culminates m the centre of tcuttin® in quite a little hill, from which to Tinakori-road is a steep decline, constituting a stiffish pinch for a horse and dray to get up. Why the new road should have been crowned is an open question. least te feet more should have heen cut away, ana that, with more attention paid to levels and the “ batter ” of the cutting itself, would have left nothing to find fault With m the n w road that has cost the city some £ISOO. If the work has been done according to the Engineer's plans, it reflects no credit on Jibe designer ; but If the contractor ba3 fallen m any particulars of the specifications, the engineer will doubtless see to it. The heavy lain of last week loosened the uneven sides of the cutting through the hill, and some smaß slips of earth resulted. Quite & of water ran down the road into Sydney street, and flowed oyer the footpath, no proper gutter-way having been constructed t carry away storm water. We understand that the detachment of permanent artillery stationed at Kaiwarra pioceeded to Fort Ballance * lo “ d * y morning to practice with the 7-ton‘ » preparatory to a. general display or the strength of our harbor defences, wh.ch - po«d to“vSt"f thTpor” SrL'tt. E.°o” It d wu'r bf tte hostile vessel succeeds in■ P as j£°B “ fort and is attacked by the gu Fort Hatwell and the batteries, at K«warra and N»ahaurangn. Submarine min~=. will also be employed, and exploded by Electricity when the" imaginary foe crosses the line, while the torpedo boat will make a dash at the enemy, care of course being taken that the vessel to be employed as .tee cruiser receives no injury. The event is ex |e| fce d to come off shortly after the Hmemoa arrives from the North, and we understand that one of the Union Company s steamy will also be engaged in the m>“»c battle. -A the display will take place while tne House S sitting the members will be enabled to tabaway with them some idea of the efficiency of harbor defences in the capital port. Thaffair will doubtless create a great deal «. «• Interest! and be witnessed by a large numoer of people.

Mr C. H. Tatum is gazetted as lieutenant in the Wellington It fl Volunteers. An examination of candidates for commissions in the Volunteer force will begin at Mount Cook Barracks on July 5. News was received from Blenheim on Sunday that noises were heard < nriog the day as of distant explosions. Two ladies fainted during the performance of “ Patience,’’ at St. Peter's Schoolroom, last Friday night, the hall being closely packed with a large au lienee. Captain and Mrs Foste-, who succeed Captain and Mrs Wright as commanders of the Salvation Army, arrived by the Wairarapa from Auckland on Sunday. Two lunatics, a made and a female, arrived from Wanganui on Saturday night by the Hnia Constable Gray, of the Wanganui police force, was in charge of them. Just an the Te Anaa was leaving the wharf last Friday, a stowaway was discovered on board. The man was promptly placed on the wharf, and the steamer proceeded on her voyage. The Defence Department has decided to rechristen Fort Gordon by substituting the name Fort Ballance. The name of the steamlaunch Gordon is also to be changed to the Mary Larnach. The train leaving Wellington at 715 a.m. will now ruu through to Maurice▼ille, arriving at 12.40 p.m. It, will leave again at 2.5, and will arrive in Wellington at 7-25 pm. as at pie.eat. We are requested to state that Mr Allwright, M H.it.j did not sigu the address of sympathy to Mr Gladstone, although his name has been published among those who have done so ; also, that Mr P. Dignau, M.L.C., and Mr W. C. Smith, M.H.R., did sign the list, although their names do not appear in the same list. While passing through the Bay of Plenty last Friday the s.s. Wairarapa was covered ■with a thin coating of pumice dust borne by the wind from the volcanic region. The Wairarapa arrived yesterday, and those on board vouch for the accuracy of the above statement. The distance of the vessel at the time from the seat of the eruptions, was estimated at 80 miles.

On the motion of Capiain Williams at the Harbor Board meeting yesterday werk, the Secretary was instructed to write to the various secretaries of the three Harbor Boards in the Colony possessing docks, for information concerning the number of vessels docked, the dues charged, and an estimate of annual receipts and expenditure in connection with the docks ; also, such other information in connection therewith as might be of value to the Wellington Harbor Board. When the case of Brandon and another v. Riddiford was called on at last Friday’s sitting of the Supreme Court, Mr Barton, who ap peared for plaintiffs, said the parties had agreed to settle the case upon judgment being entered for the plaintiff for the possession of the land. The question of costs had also been arranged between themselves, Mr Gully represented the defendant. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond ordered judgment to be entered up aB desired. Mr J. W. Parker, who has been acting for Mr E. E. C llins, the New Zealand Agent for Reuter’s Company, daring his absence of more than a year from the Colony, left for Sydney yesterday by the Wakatipu. Mr Parker has a great number of friends in Wellington, who will regret his absence, pad will wish him well wherever he goes. His duties as Renter’s Agent he has performed with great efficiency, and his unfailing courtesy has won him the goodwid of all who have had occasion to do business with him. The following applications for patents have been received : —T. Gager, of Christchurch, for improvement in the manufacture of electric belts ; J, Ross, of MaatertoD, for an automatic poison-layer ; W. M. White, of South Dunedin, for a self-filling limestone filter ; J. Brown and G. Maidmant, of Dunedin, for a kuife-cßaner ; J. Morrison, of Auckland, for a disinfectant ; R. D. Morgan, of Auckland, for a time and distance map ; H. J. Ranger, of Christchurch, for a hedgecutter. At St. Peter’s Church on Sunday, it being the festival of Whit Sunday, there were full choral services both morning and evening. The special psalms were sung to chants by Crotch, Cooke, Smart, and Goodaon, and the Canticles (morning and evening) to Tours’ service in F. Tbe anthem was Myles Foster’s new and beautiful setting of Cowper’s wellknown verse 3 beginning, “ O for a closer walk with God,” for solo and chorus, the former well sung by Miss Stanford. Mr Hautrie West presided at the organ. The Ven Archdeacon Stock was the officiating clergyman. There were ao decorations. While passing the Bank of New Zealand between 7 and 8 o’clock on Saturday night, Constable Salman found a man lying on the steps of the bank In a fainting condition. The man proved to be Alfred Wilkinson, who will be remembered as being subject to epileptic fits, for the treatment of which he was sent to England some time ago. It appears he had been seiz-d with a fit, and had fallen on the steps of the bank, in which position he was found by the c mstable. Dr Hutchison was immediatelv sent for, and on arrival, he ordered the"instant removal of the Bufferer to a place of warmth and comfort. Wilkinson was taken to the Police Station, where, under carefnl treatment, he recovered, and was taken to his lodgings. Tbe adjourned special general meeting of the Wellington Football Club was held at the Club Gymnasium last Friday evening. There was rather a meagre attendance, only about twenty-five members being present. Mr Bate was voted to the chair, and the following officers were elected, the vacancies being caused through the depasture of Mes rs Firth and Hesapton to Christchurch and Auckland respectively : Captain, R. J. Hirschberg ; secretary, J. Gordon ; committeeman, A. Reader ; delegate to the Wellington Rugby Football Union, R. S. Hirschberg. The Chairman announced that in consequence of the Union Football Club being unable to continue to rent the Club Gymnasium on 3loudays and Wednesdays, those evenings weald he to classes for boxing and other JrixdiTiid exercises. This concluded the business.

The New Zealand Shipping Company’s R.M.S. Aorangi left the Cape of Good Hope for Auckland on Thursday week.

William Thompson, the colored man who was arrested a few dayß ago for absconding from his cieditors, was taken back to Blenheim Tuesday night by Corn-table O’Donavan, The New Z aland Shipping Company’s R.M.S. Rimnakn, which lets this poet on the 3rd May and Auckland ou the 6tb, arrived at Plymouth on Monday all well. Her cargo of fr< zen meat is reported in good condition.

Messrs S. aod W. Mackay, booksellers, of Lambton-quay, have received tbe first twenty volumes of Macmillan’s Colonial Library. This is a series of standard works published in cheap form for sale in the colonies only. The present consignment consists of various softs of literature, fiction, travels, history, &c,," by authors of high reputation. Mr W, H. Thompson, late proprietor and lecturer of the Zulu and Egyptian War Dioramas, has recently turned hotelkeeper, having taken the- lease of tbe Albion Hotel, Courtenay-place and Tory-street. The house has been thoroughly renovated, and there is at present every sign that Mr Thompson will be as popular in his present occupation aa he was in his former one.

About midnight on Monday some alarm wsb created among the passers-by in Wi Ts-street. About six or seven head of cattle were driven along the street by two men on horseback with several dogs. Both men and dogs were particularly noisy, and the cattle kept breaking here, there, and everywhere. One of them found its way into Mr J. Dransfield’s garden, Upper Willis-street, and was followed by one of the horsemen. Anyone who has well kept grounds can imagine the pleasure of seeing stockiiding going on iu them, Monday night’s sitting of the House was a short one. The House met at 7 30, and Maj i Atkinson asked whether the Government could not adjourn, Beeing that an important meeting was going on, in which many members were interested. The Native Minister said the Government were prepared to go on, but they would not object to an adjournment. One or two petitions were presented, and then Major Atkinson moved the adjournment of the House. Mr Guinness called for a division, which resulted as follows : ayes, 40 ; noes, 30. The House then adjourned.

Tbe extension of the Wellington and Mas* terfccn line to Mauriceville was opened on Mon day morning, when a special excursion train was laid on from Wellington to Mauriceville, performing the journey in a little over five hoars, and returning to town in the evening. Several membe s of both Houses of the Legis lature, the Mayor of Wellington, and a fair sprinkling of the general public, paid a visit to Mauriceville by the special train, and were ho p'tably entertained. One train each way is to? rui daily between Wellington and Mauri eville.

The weekly meeting oF the Benevolent Society Trustees was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday. Present—His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs A. Wilson, Petherlck, Mackenzie, Danks and the Rev H. Van StavereD.- The Relieving Officer (Mr A. G. Johnson) reported that he had supplied rations to the wire and five children of a colored man, who had gone away in a vessel, hut who had promised by telegram to remit money. Mr Petherick proposed that appli-: cation be made to the owners of the ve<sel for a portion of the man’s wages. The question was left in the hands of the Relieving Officer to arrange, and his past action in tbe matter approved. It was decided to take no action in the case of an application for £5 to enable a music-teacher to join friends in Dunedin. Mr Johnson reported that a charge of cruelty had been lodged by one of the old men against a boarding-house keeeper. The Relieving Officer had made inquiries from other men staying in the house, aud found the man was addicted to irregular and dirty habits ; there was no evidence as to cruelty. It was decided that the Rev H. Van Staveren and Mr Petherick should investigate the charge. Application for relief was made by a woman with children, whose husband, it was feared, had either been drowned or had deierted her. The case was adjourned for a week, in order that inquiries might be made as to property in possession of. the applicant. The case of a woman who was in bad health, and who had a protection order granted some time ago against her husband, was also postponed for a week to allow Mr Wardell to Represent, as he was conversant with the case. One or two other cases of minor importance were dealt with, and the Trustees, after passing the ration list, adjourned. A despicable case of fraud, in which the interests of the Wellington Hospital were concerned, was brought to light by accident some time back, but has not until now been made public because hope was iudu’ged that the mean culprit might be brought to justice. It appears that a person, representing himself as an official at the Hospital, bad been obtaining quantities of ice from the refrigerating chambers of the steamers calling at this port, and finding his demands were not being adequately met in the case of one steamer he wrote a letter purporting to come from the Resident Surgeon, asking that a quantity of the ice might be supplied as it was urgently needful for certain patients. To this letter was attached the forged signature of Dr Hassel. The authorities ou the boat not being in a position to comply with the demand, turned down a corner of the letter, expressed their inability and regret, and posted the note back to Dr Hassel, who, as may readily be supposed, was at first greatly puzzled, and afterward exceedingly annoyed at what had occurred. The Trustees, on being notified, at once placed the matter in the hands of the police, but despite all efforts no clue has been obtained as could lead to the guilty person being arrested. As frauds of this nature are eo easily concocted, to the detriment of charitable institutions, it would be well if kindly-disposed people would make inquiries before handing over articles or money to people who represent themselves as coming from institutions established for the purpose of aiding the sick and distressed. It is to be greatly regretted that in the case referred to tbe mean forger sas not made an example of, but the present publication of the facts may at any rate act as a check to any further to kernes he or others may have elaborated for the future. \