TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 751, 23 July 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

William Bartley, hotelkeeper, of Kaiwarra, bes been adjudged a bankrupt. Mr G. Wilson has been appointed a Mining Inspector for tbe Hauraki district, uuder the Gold Mining Districts Act, 1873.

The commission of Lieutenant E. V. J. Coppin, of the Wellington City Rifles, has been cancelled for ab-ence without leave.

The City Council last week, on the casting vote of the Mayor, decided not to enforce the removal of the verandah at Barrett’s Hotel.

Mr J. M. Tweed, L.RC.P., Edin , has been appointed a Health Officer for the port of Lyttelton during the absence of Dr. Guthrie.

The Governor has appointed Honi Mohi Tawhai and Heremaia Tawake to be Native Assessors for the Resident Magistrate’s district of the Bay of Islands. Mr J. Ronaldson, of Auckland, and Mr R. Friedlander, Mayor of Ashburton, have ceased to be Justices of tha Peace under tbe amending Act of last year. The name of the Rev Joßbua Mclntosh, of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, has been added to the list of officiating ministers under the Marriage Act. The Governor has appointed Messrs A. P. Wiggins (of Wellington), P. Black and G. Leslie (of Dunedin), and C. S. Wright (of Auckland) to be Public Valuers under the Friendly Societies Act, 1882. At 8.40 p.m. last Friday night the attention of passers-by was attracted by smoke issuing from the premises of Mr W. Bath, watchmaker, of Lambton quay, adjoining Messrs Whi'taker Bros. Constable O’Donovan appearing on the scene, broke open the door of the shop, and, proceeding through the smoke to a room at the back, found that a quantity of clothiug which had been left to dry on a clothes-horse in front of the fire had become ignited and charred some of the furniture. In response to an alarm the Brigade were quickly on the spot, but their services were fortunately not required. It appeared that Mrs Bath had only left the premises about 10 minutes before the fire was discovered, and she states that she left the clothes iu front of the fire before going out, thinking that there was no danger. The furniture was insured for £SO, the tools for £SO, aud the stock for £lO0 —all in the Phoenix office, bat the damage done is very slight, aad will be covered by a f<=w poands.

It will doubtless be a matter of interest to the public to know that the new Te Aro House in the city of Wellington is rapidly approaching completion, and promises to be without exception the finest, most complete, and most convenient drapery establishment South of the Equator. We hope to occupy it early in September in time for the spring trade. In the meantime we are desirous of clearing out our Winter Stock of Drapery and Clothing, so as to save the trouble and expense of removing. Unusually special bargains throughout every department will be offered, and the public should seize this golden opportunity at Te Abo House. The Sale commenced on Friday, July 2nd, and is now in full operation. Country residents would do well to pay an early visit to this Removing Sale at Tk Aro House, Wellington.

The Queen’s exequatur, empowering Dr. Gustave Travers to act as German Consul* General at Sydney for the Australasian colonies, was Bigned by Her Majesty on March 8. Auckland correspondent telegraphs the ™*°’ w L ln ß : Bishop Cowie and several clergy attended the Opera House last evening and witnessed Mr W. E. Sheridan, the tragedian, in Othello. The performance was under the patronage of members of the Parnell Shakeaperiau Club, of which Bishop Cowie ia President. There was a crowded house

The Athenaeum Hall was densely packed last hriday night on the occasion of Dr Gilbert delivering his first physiological and physiognomical lecture in relation to the laws of health. A large number of graphic diagrams wsre hung up, and from these and from living subjects drawn from the body of the hall, the lecturer succeeded in imparting to his audience a great amount of useful information. Dr Gilbert is a fluent speaker, with a rare fund of humor, and possesses the gift of being able to amuse his hearers, while at the same time enlightening them on very important subjects, jjv

53 The disappearance of Mr A. L. Levy ia as far off being accounted for as ever. In reply to a cable message sent by the Commissioner of the Armed Constabulary, the following reply was received yesterday week from Sydney, to which place it was thought by some Mr Levy had gone in the Hauroto :—“ No trace of Levy by steamer Hauroto. Edmund Fosbury, Inspector General Police. Sydney, 15th.'’ It ia now feared that Mr Levy must have been drowned in the harbor, and a number of his friends decided to search the foreshore along the various bays, in order if possible to find some trace of him. The search, however, proved fruitless. The police are takiog active measures to obtain definite information, and it is unlikely that the mysterv will remain unsolved much longer, as several clues are being followed up, A special emissary has been despatched to Sydney to make independent inquiry, and tbe police authorities all over the Colony have been put on the alert. Two persons have come forward who distinctly aver that they saw Mr Levy returning from the wharf at a quarter to 4 on the afternoon of the Bth, the date on which the Hauroto left Wellington and Mr Levy disappeared, $3 A sudden death occurred at the Waterloo Hotel, Kaiwarra, last Friday morning. It appears that in consequence of the licensee of the hotel having become bankrupt the Official Assignee despatched Mr Richard Bell and Mr Mcßeatb, private bailiffs, to take possession. Mr Bell retired to bed about 9 30 ou Thursday. Iu the morning he complained to Mr Mcßeatb, who was sleeping in the same room, of having passed a bad night. Mr Mcßeath asked if he sbonld get anything for him, to which Mr Bell replied that he did not want anything. However, Mr Mcßeath procured him a cup of tea, of which he partook. Mr Mcßeath returned to the room a few minutes afterward, when he saw deceased apparently fast asleep. On again returning to the room he found Mr Bell lying in the bed quite dead. Deceased was about 72 years of age, and has occupied the position of bailiff in this city for a number of years. Mr Bell has two married daughters, one, Mrs Isabella Ritson, residing in College-street, Wellington, and the other in Timaru. A meeting of creditors in the estate of James J. Smith, late of the Post Office Hotel, was held last Friday. The Official Assignee stated that on the 19th instant the four months will have expired during which it was necessary to keep the estate open for the receipt of proofs of debt, and as he was anxious to divide the proceeds as soon as possible, he had called the creditors together to consider the position of affairs. He had expended £3O in payment of sundry charges, and £lB2 was ia hand, besides which there were 100 shares (£2 10s paid up) in the Wellington Woollen Company, 25 shares in the Island Bay Park Company, and 10 in the United Importers’ Company (£4 10s paid up), which would be offered for sale at auction on Tuesday. A memorandum was received from the National Bank, showng that the bankrupt was indebted to the bank to the extent of £2OB for a discounted bill, against which they held various bills entrusted to them for collection, amounting to £715, and a bill-of-sale over the furniture of the Post Office Hotel. Mr Riley, the present occupant of tbe hotel, said he was not prepared to make an offer at once, and asked that he might be allowed till Monday to consider the matter. Captain Thomas offered to purchase the bills immediately at a discount of 15 per cent. The Official Assignee stated thated that if this were done, and the shares realised as might be expected, the estate would pay twenty shilling in the £, and leave a balance of some £47. On the motion of Mr Juhl (Lyon and Blair), seconded by Mr A. A. Barneit, it was resolved to accept Captain Thomas’ offer. The meeting then adjourned.

At a sale just held in Paris an extraordinary price was realised for a very small piece of bric-a-brac. It was a dish executed by Palissy after a model by Briot. The antecedents of the piece were not traced very far back in point of time, but the history of it—so far a 3 it went—showed a very remarkable progression in value. Thirty years ago it had been, in the possession of a private gentleman in Nevers, who was perfectly astounded to receive from a dealer an offer of 500 francs for the dish. So good a piece of fortune was not to be allowed to slip, and the .dish was handed over and the 500 franca duly paid. If the dealer had made an improvident bargain be soon found a rasher man. than himself. Prince Soltvkoff heard of the trouvaille, and it was brought to him for inspection. Ultimately terms were agreed on, and the Prince paid the dealer 5000 francs for what the latter bad purchased at 500 francs. The dish remained in the Soltykoff collection i till its dispersal in 1861, when it was sold for 10,000 francs. Commercial depression had not then set in, and high prices were no rarity at tbe Hotel Drouot. Obviously it is different now. And yet this very piece was sold a few days ago for 25,700 francs. Thus we see that in Paris, as in London, when times are bad and the proapect is that they will be worse, though luxuries, as a rule, fall considerably in value, works of first-rate excellence rise. Lika the funds, they are regarded as a safe investment, and like consols, they go up. This is the true explanation of the recent extraordinary prices at Chiistie’s.

The Permanent Artillery m Wellington were assembled at the Mount Cook Barracks at 10 o’clock on Sunday night, and were placed under orders to proceed at 11 o clock m the Stella to New Plymouth. The order was countermanded, however, before the hour or departure/ W'e have seen an exceedingly well executed portrait in oils of Cardinal Moran by the local artist, Mr Von Mevern. The portrait is life size, is taken from a photograph of the Cardinal, and for faithfulness of delineation and superb coloring and finish is among the best things submitted to us for many a day. Mr Von Meyern’s talent as a painter is unxnistakeable.

. The second quarter of the School of Design began last Tuesday. The scnool has already attained, during the short time of its existence, a most remarkable success, and it is exceedingly satisfactory to find that a number of youug people are willing to undergo the toil and drudgery through whico everyone must pass who is to be a draughtsman or painter. Students have now the opportunity of being shown the right road, and the rest lies with themselves.

We understand it to be the intention of the detective whose recent action in detaining, a man whom be believed to answer the description of a person against whom a serious charge was laid, has called forth some adverse criticism on the part of correpondents, to call for an official inquiry into the circumstances. Obviously inquiry is necessary. Either the detective was ia the course be adopted, or he was not. If he had reasonable ground for the action he took it is fair that he should have an opportunity of clearing himself. If, on the other haud, he acted hastily and officiously, some notice of his conduct should be taken by? his superiors.

The New Zealand Shipping Company’s R.M.S. Aorauiri arrived off Port Chalmers Heads at 11.5 last night_ week. She accomplished the voyage out in 39 days 3 hours 30 minutes, including all stoppages. After transhipping the Southern portion of her mails and passengers, she left for Wellington at 530 a.m. yesterday. She should arrive early this morning. Her mail consists of 283 bags, made up as follows : —Auckland, 48 bags ; Christchurch, 33 ; Dunedin, 31 ; Invercargill, 11 ; Lyttelton, 6 ; Napier, 16 . New Plymouth, 6 ; Oarnaru, 7 ; Port’ Chalmers, 6 ; Timaru, 8 ; first port of call, 65 ; and 46 for this port.

jjjjP A meeting of persons interested in forming a Shorthand Writers’s Association in this city was held at the Athemeum last Friday night. Mr W. H. Draffin occupied the chair. Tne following gentlemen were proposed and elected Sir Robert Stout and Sir George Grey, Patrons ; Hon J. A. T«>le, President ; Messrs Fisher and Barron, Vice-Presidents ; Messrs J. J. Devine, J. O. Browne, F. Bond, T. King, Committee ; Mr A. Bodley, Treasurer ; Mr W. H. Draffin, Secretary ; Mr T. H.- Smith, Librarian. A number of rules .drawn out by the Provisional Committee were proposed and carried. The entrance fee was, after some slight discussion, fixed at 10s 6d, and the annual subscription a like amount. It- was decided that ladies be admitted as honorary members of the Association if introduced by a member. The following applications for patents have been received :—B. C. Molloy, of London, for improvements in apparatus for amalgamating precious metals ; C. L. Hartsfeld, of Newport. Kentucky, for portable blast furnace plant ; J. F. C. Favquhar, of Loudon, for improvements in filtering apparatus ; C. E. Rawson, of New Plymouth, for a double batten ladder ; E. Snowball, of New Plymouth, for improved butter package ; T. G. Vinson, of Auckland, for a triple shoe-brush ; C. Welch, of Port Chalmers, and C. O. Armstrong, of Dunedin, for invention for the extermination and utilisation of rabbits ; R. With ell, of Brookside, Selwyn County, for a differential churn, and for an automatic rope take up ; P. Rabbidge and G. Dillberg, of Papauui, for a telephone transmitter.

jp With regard to the application by the Mayor of Tauraoga for assistance for those who have suffered by the recent, volcanic disturbances, the Mayor s rated last night week at the meeting of the Council that so far as he had learned the sufferers were Maoris, aud there was very little actual distress. He thought it was a matter for the Government rather than the citizens, and understood the Government would undertake to relieve any cases of actual distress. He had spoken to several citizens on the matter, but they did not seem inclined to take it up. He had £lO in hand, being the proceeds of an entertainment given by the Colorado Minstrels, which ho would hand over, and would be glad to receive and forward any further sum the charitablydisposed residents of Wellington might be willing to give. His own opinion was that there was not so much real distress as was at first thought. jK Considerable excitement prevailed in the 'Vicinity of the Bank Hotel during the greater part or last Friday afternoon and evening in consequence of an attempt beiog made on behalE of the holders of a bill of sale over the premises to take forcible possession. It appears that Mrs M. Woodley, the licensee, had given a bill of sale some months ago to Messrs Cheymol, Davis, and Gilmer, and that an agent had been ia the hotel on their behalf for-about a month. The license, in appears, had been transferred within the last few days to a Miss Hughes at the instance of the mortgagees, and last Friday afternoon an attempt was made to put her in possession. This was resisted by birr, Woodley’s'manager, who managed to keep three, or four men at bay who tried to get into the bar. Crowd a of people flocked inside the hotel, and in’ the evening a bar was set up iu the diningroom by the agents of Miss Hughes, and free liquors dispensed, this example also being followed by Mrs Woodley. Under such favorable circumstances it is needless to say that a large amount of liquor was consumed, and that the hotel was crowded almost to suffocation. At about 730 Mr Jellicoe arrived on the scene to act on behalf of Mrs Woodley, and on his advice possession was given up to Miss Hughes, with a view to future legal proceedings, Mrs Woodley being allowed to remain in the house by arrangement until the next Monday. Mr Brown (of Ollivier, Holland, and Brown) is acting for the mortgagees, and Mr Thomson for Miss Hughes. During the day the police appeared on the scene, but were anable to interfere in the matter.

The Tarawera’s English and Australian mails arrived in Wellington by the Hawea on Wednesday. The p.s. Colleen made several trips round the harbor on Saturday afternoon. On each occasion she took a large number of pleasureseekers. Several trips were also made during on Sunday, when the steamer was again well patronised. Ia a lecture on “ Heredity,” or transmission of ancestral traits, Miss Ada Campbell, Sunday night, at the Theatre Royal, succeeded in entertaining a fairly numerous audience. Her remarks were very free at times, but apparently suited the audience, to judge by the amount of applause awarded. The lecture was of a very discursive character. During the progress of the Junior Cup match at the Newtonn Park on Saturday afternoon, a very mean and paltry the’ft was committed. It appears that one of the Petone players left his clothes in one of the dressing rooms previous to taking part in the game. After the match was over the player in question found that two half sovereigns had been'takea out of his purse, which be had left ia the side pocket of his coat. There was also some silver in the purse which, however, the uukaown thief had been generous enough to leave.

Dr Johnston, District Coroner, presided over an inquest at the Waterloo Hotel, Kaiwarra, on Saturday morning, on the body of Richard B=l\ late bailiff, who was found dead in his bed the previous morniDg under circumstances already reported. Dr Tripe gave medical testimony to the effect that death resulted from fatty degeneration of the heart. George Mcßeatk deposed to finding the body an hour after witness had seen him apparently asleep in his bed. When witness first saw deceased that morning Bell said he had passed a very bad night, and thought that would be his last day. Thoma 3 Ritson, cab proprietor, son-in-law of deceased, having given evidence, the jury, through the foreman (Mr James Holmes), returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

The social gathering of St. Paul's parishioners held Monday evening in the Church room, Tinakori-road, was a very great success. There was a very large attendance. After several song 3 and musical selections hau been given" by the members of the congregation, the Rev. J. Still, who presided, presented to Mr J. Barton Parker, assistant curate of St. Paul’s (who is leaving for Dunedin), au behalf of the parishioners, a purse of 40 sovereigns and a very flattering address. The recipient iuafiw appropriate and felicitous words thanked the rev gentleman, and the parishioners for the very great honor they had conferred on him. The congregation then sat down to an excellent spread prepared by the following ladies : Mrs J. Smith, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Palmer, and Mrs Powles. About 10 o’clock the company dispersed, after having spent a most enjoyable evening.

The annual tea meeting of the Sb Pater’s Mission was held in the Missionroom, Quinstreet, Monday evening, followed by a concert. A very substantial repast was prepared by Mrs Hood and her daughters, and were thoroughly enjoyed by the young people attending the Mission. Before the concert the Van Archdeacon Stock expressed the pleasure he felt in seeing so many happy smiling faces, and said he was sure they were the better for their connection with the Mission. At the conclusion of the. concert, the lay reader, Mr R. P. Johnson, warmly thanked the many ladies’ and gentlemen who had assisted during the year and on that evening, and also Messrs Laery and Campbell, G. Thomas and Co., and Mr Hume for their presents of fruit for the evening’s enjoyment. Songs were contributed by Misses Gaby. Dixon, Letham, Stanford, and Mr Johnson, Miss Woodman and Miss Noder played the accompaniments, which gave general satisfaction. A very pleasant evening was spent.

An unexpected difficulty presented itself in the S.'-preme Court on Saturday when the last case on the criminal list waa about to be called on—that of larceny against Richard Aldridge. It was found that in consequence • of the jury which had been locked up all night in Gibson’s case having been discharged from further attendance, a full panel could not be procured for the remaining case. On being asked if he would be prepared to go on with the case if a jury were made up from those present, Mr Shaw, who appeared for the prisoner, declined to waive his full right to ctiallenre. His Honor the Chief Justice said be bad considered it only right that the jury who had been locked up all night should receive permission to go home after giving in the’r verdict. Tbs Act provided that a jury should be locked up twelve hours, which Joe considered a very long time. His opinion was that if a jury could not agree in three or four hours it would be better to discharge tlnna. There ought to be discretionary power oa the part of the Judge in such matters. It was finally resolved to adjourn the Court until nex morning at 10 o’clock, when the case was proceeded wifcn. jg|%£ r H. 33- Liardet, the well-known taxi-d-v-nkt of Willi-J-street, has just received a hi oh compliment. Some time ago be heard from Sir Julius von Haast that Her Majesty tPe Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the Princes of Wales, on being shown round tne New Zealand Court of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, had highly praised the bira-sam muffs -and other articles exmoi-sd J>y rur Tjiardet. He wrote back to Sir Julius vou Haast, asking him to request the acceptance b-- the Queen and Princess o' A ales or specil mens of bis workmanship. He has now heard from Sir Julius that both the Queen and Princess have accepted tne presents. -as following letter from the Queen was also received, and is now in Mr Liardet’s possession : Buckingham Palace, London, May 1, j 586. Dear Sir,—l am commanded oy the Queen to request you _ to convey to Mr Liardet the expression o. Her Majesty's thanks to that gentleman for his ' kindness ia presenting to the Queen a muff and collarette, made of New Zealand birdskiaa.— Yours faithfully, Henry Ponaonby. J, vou Haast, Esq.” Sir Julius von Haast promised to send the Princess of Wales acknowledgement as soon as he got it. xne articles presented to the Queen were of paradise duck skin, and those to the Princess of white albatross. Mr Liardet has_ also written to make similar presents to Princess Beatrice.

Thomas Perham, draughtsman, of Adelaideroad, has filed a petition of bankruptcy. A building has been rented at the Thorndon end of the city for the purpose of a barracks for the Salvation Army, and recruiting will begin there as soon a 3 the necessary fittings have been attended to.

The last case on the criminal calendar wss heard < n Monday afternoon, when Rid ard Aldridge was fauna guilty of stealing 14s 3d from the dwelling of Henry Angier, fisffi hawker, of Cuba street. Sentence was deferrea until next mQrning.

John Freebody, the Wairarapa settler, who, with John Pollock, was sentenced last April to two years’ imprisonment with hard labor, for cattle stealing, was released on Monday, the Governor having remitted the remainder of his sentence.

$fA criminal information has been laid at the instance of Sir Julius Vogel against Arthur James Hoskins, of Guba etreet, proprietor, printer, and publisher of a papor called the Saturday Advertiser, “ for that he did on the 17th instant publish a false, malicious, aud scandalous libel ” on the Colonial Treasurer. * The case is set down for hearing on the 28th instant. The persistent efforts of the Harbor Board to obtain a favorable reply to the request for e-'doivments have elicited a final offer from the Government to the effect that it is willing to hand ove rto the Board about five sixteenths of an acre of reclaimed land on the northern side of the Lion Foundry, and to empower the Board to reclaim a portion of the harbor facing Waterloo-quay, to the north of the Railway Wharf. The letter will be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

In consequence of the serious aspect of Native affairs at Hawera, the Government steamer Stella was despatched to Opunake on Monday night, at 8 p.tr. with a detachment of Armed Constabulary, under Sergeant Riddles, numbering about 28 men. Sir George Whitmare was also a passenger by the Stella. As the steamer moved away from the wharf, the men were cheered by the spectators oa the wharf, the cheers being responded to in a hearty manner by those on board the steamer.

The Rev J. K. Elliott. 8.A., delivered a lecture entitled “ John Knox, Scotland’s great reformer,” at the Vivian-street Baptist Church on Monday evening. The Rev Mr Driver occupied the chair, and the audience was a fairly numerous one. It i 3 needless to say that with such a subject the rev leciurer, who possesses aa easy aud very pleasing style ot delivery, was able to give a most interesting and instructive discourse, teeming with historical facts of the most stirring character. He spoke for nearly an hour and a half, but never for a moment wearied bis audience, which frequently testified its approval.

quarterly meeting of the associates of the Girls’ Friendly Society was held at Government House on Wednesday last week. Fortytwo ladies were present. The Hon. Sec., Mrs Grant, read the annual report prior to its publication. The Society is making steady progress in Wellington, and branches have been "established at Marton ami Wanganui, and are doing well. The Gins F riendly Society Lodge in Wellington not being found large enough, a site.in Vivian-street has been purchased, on which to erect a suitable building. Plans have been prepared by Mr Olere, the diocesan architect, and it is hoped that the building will shortly be commenced. A doll show, like that which was so successful last year, but on a larger scale, is to be held in September next in aid of the building fund, and those ladies who are able to help ia dressing dolls were asked to send in their names Allusion was made to the satisfactory progress of the Society in Australia. It is established in Victoria. New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland, and in the dioceses of Melbourne and Ballarat alone the number of members exceeds 2500.

On the jury panel being called over at the Supreme Court on Monday morning, a very thin voice answered from the back of the Court to the name .of Thomas Henry Hatohard, and a small boy about 12 years presented himself before his Honor the Chief Justice to be sworn in. A general laugh, of course, went through the Court, even his Honor being unable, to repiea3 a smile at this juvenile effort to serve the country. In answer to his Honor’s query as to what be had coma there for, the youngster said he had been called by the summons, which he produced. The summons was made out for Thomas Henry Hatohard, carpenter, of Oxfordterrace. The boy said that was his name and address, but he was not a carpenter. His father’s name was not the same. His Honor : We do not want you ; you may go.” The boy, who did not appear to be at all abashed, then left. Shortly after, Constable O’Rourke stated that he left the summons for the boy’s father, aud bis Honor directed a fine of 40s to be recorded against Mr Hatchard, unless good cause could be shown for his non-attendance. It would appear that a mistake has been made in filling in the summons, aa the boy’s father is named James Henry, not Thomas Henry Hatchard. Possibly this fact maj/ affect the enfoicemenfc of the nee. There was a short sitting of the Bankruptcy Court oa Monday, his Honor Mr Justice Richmond presiding. Mr Quick appeared in support of Peter Hansen’s (bootmaker) application for discharge. There was no opposition, but the dh charge was withheld for three months in consequence of applicant’s neglect to keep proper books. Mr Hull apnlied for and obtained an order of discharge for Jacob Giddail, mariner, there being no opposition. An order of discharge was also granted to J. Stuart Reid, commission agent, there being no opposition. The Official Assignee stated that a small dividend would be available from the sale of furniture, and asked if he should hand ever the books in connection with Bradshaw’s Guide to the debtor. HD Honor said they could be returned to the debtor on condition lhat the Official Assignee should have access to them when required. James Sim, of Pahantanui, farmer, was ordered to come up for discharge oa the 9 h August, on the application of Mr Hall. The bankruptcies of Edward Shaw, solicitor, and Sven BengtseD, cabinetmaker, were declared closed, and their applications for discharge fixed for the 9th August. On the application of the Official Assignee, orders for solicitor’s costs were made, subject to taxation, in the cases of James John Smith, publicaQ, and Alexander Thompson, grocer. This was all the business.

The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s s.s Coptic left London on Saturday last for New Zealand ports, via Hobart. The Coptic’s first port of call in New Zealand is Auckland. The rateable value of property in the two Wairarapa Counties is stated to be £2,725,287 this year as against £2,371,581 in 1882, and of property in the Hutt County £1,416,052 as against £991,696.

The following are the principal creditors in the e-tate of Thomas Perham, draughtsman, who filed his petition in bankruptcy on Monday : —Miller, Booth and Co., £24 17s ; Giaves and Fleming, £ls ; United Importers’ Co., £lO 12s ; J. and R. Sloan, £ll 33 ; G. Bradley, £lO 11s ; Casey and McDonald, £lO 17s ; J. Wilton, £22 9s ; Wellington Meat Co., £24 4-i ;J. Plimmer, £2O. The assets consist of books, cash, and furniture to the value of £36 14s. The meeting of creditors will be held on Thursday.

At the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Thomas Gibson received a sentence of twelve months’ imprisonment for embezzling the moneys of the Petone Town Board, of which he was formerly clerk, aud a similar term for larceny of a cheque, both sentences to run con currently. His Honor the Chief Justice, in passing sentence, said that he had conferred with Mr Justice Richmond on the points raised by Mr Jellicoe, and he quite agreed with the view his Honor had expressed as to joining two offences in ODe indictment. Although he did not consider it wise, he did notT think the prisoner suffered by the conjunction.

A meeting of those interested in the formation of the Thorndon Rifle Company was held Monday night at the Metropolitan Hofei, Mr Maginnity presiding. Majors Crowe and Shannon, Captain Loveday, and a number of officers and non-commissioned officers were present, as well as a large number of young men anxious to join the new corps. A list v/as signed by those desiring to join and will be forwarded in due course through. Colonel Butts to the Government. Votes of thanks were passed to the officers to the battalion who had taken such an interest in the movement, also to the chair, and the proeeedidgs terminated.

During the hearing of the case of larceny against Aldridge at the Supreme Court on Monday, Mr Shaw, counsel for the prisoner, brought out several discrepancies in the evidence oi the witnesses as shown by their depositions in the Resident Magistrate’s Court. Mr Beil, the Crown Prosecutor, in the course of reex'aminatioD, endeavored to elicit an explanation, but Mr Shaw objected and appealed to the Court. His Honor the Chief Justice said he thought too much importance should not be attached to the depositions which came from a lower Court, and quoted Chief Jusfcice Cockburn’s remarks on the subject. Ine clerks often reduced a witness’s answer to a very few words in their notes, and the omission of a word would sometimes give a different meaning to what the witness intended. The jury had to go by the evidence given before them.

His Excellency the Governor, the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, and bis Worship the Mayor, held a consultation on Tuesday as to the best means of raising funds for the sufferers by the Tarawera eruption. The lion W. Larnach also attended. It was decided that a conversazione should be held in the Parliamentary Buildings at a date to'be hereafter fixed, aud that a committee, consisting of three membei'3 of each House, be askea to assist, such committee to be as follows : Messrs Miller and Walker, and Colonel Brett (Legislative Council), Messrs Larnacb, Dargaville, and J. D. Lance of Representatives). The principal feature of the conversazione will probably be the exhibition of a number of views of the Rotorua district by aid of the limelight, but doubtless ixaany other attractions will be provided. Ihe admission of the public into the whole of the buildings should almost be sufficiently attractive of itself, as comparatively few have ever been in any other chamber than that set apart for public debate. The weekly meeting of the Trustees of the Benevolent Society was held at the City Council Chambers on Tuesday. Present —His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), H Van Sfcaveren, Messrs A. Wilson, T. McKenzie, and J. Petherick. Mr Petherick brought forward his adjourned motion for appointing a certain hour at which all the men lodged by the Board should retire at night. There was

no regulation laid down, and he thought from observation that it was very necessary that some rule should be passed. He moved “ That all- men maintained by the Board be in not later than 10 o’clock.” The motion was seconded by the Rev H. Van Sfcaveren, and carried without discussion. The Secretary’s action in relieving several cases of distress was approved, and orders for rations and small money allowances were passed by the Trustees. It was mentioned that the unfortunate girl who came to this city a week or two ago in a sad plight, had been promised an asylum at the Rescue Home, Marjoribanksstreet. This was considered very satisfactory. The usual ration list v/as presented, and approved, and the meeting terminated.

At the meeting oi the Trustees. of the Benevolent Society on Tuesday, a took place on a motion by Mr Peffiericii, that light employment should be provided by the Board for the old men under its charge. He thought the old men would be better in health, and ia every way, if light work could be found for them instead oi allowing "hem to hang about the corners of streets. The Mr Johnson had instructions to that effect on the books. Mr Johnson (Secretary and Relieving Officer) said that since the Trustees had been in office the men were permitted to find employment where they liked themselves, and were to retain the money. When they were last examined, the doctor said they were unable to do anything except walk about in the sunshine. Mr Wilson seconded Mr Pefcherick’s motion, as he thought the men could do light work. When they had plenty to eat and nothing to do they became disagreeable. If they were not employed by the citizens the Corporation could find some light occupation for them, and it would do them a world of good. Mr McKenzie thought it unnecessary to legislate until the Home was in existence. He understood the doctor said that only one out of the whole was fit to work. After some farther discussion the motion was put and lost on division.

Allan Carmont, storekeeper, of Ofcaki, has been adjudged a bankrupt.

Upon the prisoner Aldridge being brought up for sentence at the Supreme Court on Tae»day, Mr Shaw, his counsel, asked that sentence minhi be postponed for a few days to enable him to obtain evidence as to prisoner’s character. Prisoner had been employed at Ekatahuna and Napier, and worked for a railway contractor at Taho>-aite up to April last. His Honor the Chief Justice ordered Aldridge to come up for sentence on the 28th insfc.

It is satisfactory to report that the subscriptions to the building fund of the Home for the Aged Neody now exceed £2OOO by a few pounds. The promised annual subscriptions for the maintenance of the inmates amount to £217. These results are creditable alike to the subscribers and to the collectors. The next sten will be for the subscribers to meet aud decide whether the Home shall be brought under the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act as a separate institution.

A case of attempted incendiarism was brought under the notice of the police on Tuesday. Just before midnight the previous evening, Mrs. Livingstone, wife of Mr-W.'J. Livingstone, traveller for Soler and Co., wine merchants, ox Wanganui, discovered smoke forcing its way through the flooring of her house in Palmer-street, and rushed across the road to the residence of Mr R. Mo watt for assistance. Mr Mowatfc, who had retired for the night, at‘once dressed and'went over to the house, when, with the aid of a few buckets of water, he quickly put the fire out. Investigation proved that a quantity of rags besmeared with grease had been fired under the joists o? the house, with the very evident intention of burning it down. The police are, of course, actively investigating the matter. The cottage is owned by Mr Fitchett, of Nairn-street.

The section of the Wellington-Maaawafcu Railway between Long burn and Otaki will be openei for traffic on the 2nd or next month. The trains from Wellington leave at 19.5 a m., arriving at Paikakariki at 11.1)0 a in. There the passengers will take coach for Otaki, whence they will again start by railway at 3.30 p.m. for Longburn, which will be reached as 5 25, in time for the train far Wanganui. In doing the southward journey, on arrival of the early train from Wanganui a train will leave Longburn at 12.25 p.m., arriving at Ofcaki at 2.40. After the coach journey the passengers leave Paikakariki at 545 p.m., and arrive in Wellington at 7 35. The opening of the new section will enable passengers from Napier to reach Wellington after eighteen hours’ travelling, not including a nigfc spent at Palmerston. When the line is completed throughout passengers from Napier will make the journey in thirteen hours, including two and a-half hsur3’ coaching between Woodvilie and Palmerston. It is hoped that the whole line of railway will be open for traffic by the Prince of Wales’ Birthday. The Government have constructed at Addington, for the WellingtonMaaawatu Railway Company, a couple of carriage-:, almost precisely similar to thosb- imported by the Company from America. They have been sent on in pieces bv the Hinemoa to New Plymouth, whence they will be taken to Wanganui to be put together.

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Mark’s Church was held ia the Schoolroom on Tne-day night, the Rev R. Coffey, Incumbent, presiding The Chairman, referring to the report aud balance-sheet, which were taken as read, said they disclosed an admirable condition of the finances this year ; and while congratulating the parishioners, he hoped the results would enable them to throw themselves ir;o‘e heartily into church wo: k, for he was aware that people were sometimes shy in taking responsible positions because they were afraid of being involved in financial obi gallons. A number of questions having been asked and satisfactorily answered in reference to various items in the balance-sheet, the report and statement of accounts were adopted, and the election of officers v/as proceeded with. Mr C. H. Gbatwin was chosen by the ircumbeufc as his churchwarden, an i Mr F. Sevens was elected as parishionuers’ churchwarden. The following gentlemen were elected as the Vestry Messrs O. ■ Zohrab, R. C. Hamerton, L. Kalliwell, 3. P. Cart is, D. H. Jenkins, U. Cl any, W. H. Meek, •_■. F. Jiihl, R. E. Rawnsley, arid E. G. Kullstt. Messrs G. R. Young and P. A. Z-hrab were re-elected auditors. On the motion or Mr Bacon, a vote of thanks was passed to the outgoing churchwardens and vestrymen, rile G. E. ’Zohrab proposed, aud Mr Meek seconded energy which the promoters ot the lace bazaar displayed, and thanks them heartily for the financial results obtained »’ It was stated that £250 had been paid off the church debtfrom this source, besides leaving a balance of £32 iu hand. The motion waa carried. _ Mr F. Stevens proposed —“ That this meeciog ft©.caby thanks the choir, Sunday School teachers, and other parish workers, and trusts that toe principle of lay co-operation may be still further developed.” Mr R. C. Hamerton seconded the motion, which was carried after a leno discussion, which arose in reference cO people sitting while the autbems were being sung On she motion of v?.r E. Z jnrab s Seconded by Mr Hamerton, the following committee were appointed to raise funds for the enlargement "of the church Messrs Chatwm, Stevens, Gaby, Hamerton, and the mover. Mr Zohrab spoke at length on the necessity of enlargement, and announced his intention of subscribing £lO for the object. A debate of some duration followed, during which the incumbent eaid he would also =2lo. The motion was pat and carried, a proposal by Mrs Francis, seconded by Coffey, Si at the present debt be paid on a fresh one was incurred, being lost. xnis was all the business.