TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 771, 10 December 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

“ Little Bo Peep,” said to be the smallest pony in the wbrld, arrived in Wellington by the Tekapofrom Sydney yesterday week. He has been imported by Mr D. «L. Smith of Palmerston North, and was forwarded to his destination by train by Messrs Murray, Roberts and Co. in due course. The New Zealand Bradshaw for December has reached us, and is fully up to its usual mark. 'We may point out, however, that the maps which are appended need considerable revision. For instance, the Wellington and Manawatu line is not" shown at all, iior is the extension from Masterton to Mauriceville.

With reference to a judgment summons case heard at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday week, Mr Wardell said that it must be understood that all orders for imprisonment in default of payment of instalments applied only to the first default- As his Worship read the Act, any committal for a subsequent default must be made the subject of a separate order.

Great dissatisfaction is expressed l oth by the Australians and by the Wellington Cricket Association, at the persistence of the City Council in their determination to exact ten per cent of the gross takings at the gates of the cricket ground, in addition to half the proceeds of the grand stand and bar. The terms are considered very illiberal, especially in view of the large amount of work and expense which the Association has recently bestowed on the ground. The quarterly meeting of the Thorndon Licensing Committee was held yesterday week. Present—Messrs J. M. Richardson (in the chair), F. Parsons, and E. A. Goldsmith. The Committse approved the transfer of the license of the Wellington Hotel from James Thomas to Peter Casey. Sergeant Morice, Inspector of Licensed Houses, reported that the Karori Hotel was in a dirty state, and not properly furnished. Mr Ames, Clerk of the Court, stated that he had written to the proprietor (Mr Moss) on the subject. It was intimated that, unless an improvement was made in the conducting of the hotel in question, the application for the license at the next annual meeting would be prejudiced. The meeting then terminated.

Three horses were accidentally killed on the Manawatu Railway yesterday week, but there was not the slightest danger to the safety of the passengers. The horses belonged to Mr A. Brown, whose land is near Johnsonville, and is traversed by a railway crossing protected by gates, for which he is responsible. These gates had through some negligence been allowed to bo open, and the horses consequently strayed on the line, and being overtaken by the morning out-train were run down and killed. No risk to the train or its passengers was involved, as if the carcases had been in a position to obstruct the train, they would have been at once tossed off by the “ cow-catcher” of the engine.

Mr Forster, Assistant-Clerk of the Court, has visited Waikanae and examined the sleepers which are the subject of a civil action, in which T. Pepperell is the plaintiff acd J. Driscoll defendant. With reference to the case, Mr H. H. Travers, who is acting for the plaintiff,, stated in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday week that he was instructed that the timber was not in the same condition at the time of the clerk’s visit as it was when the case was heard. Mr Wardell remarked that if any attempt had been made to deceive Mr Forster, and thus destroy his report on the matter, the defendant’s counsel (Mr Menteath) should be informed of the circumstance, as that gentleman would be just as anxious as anybody that any attempt at fraud should be exposed. After some argument, plaintiff’s counsel agreed to accept judgment on the basis of the AssistantClerk’s report, and then, if the Magistrate’s decision was not favorable to his client, to apply for a re-hearing on the grounds of fresh evidence.

Mrs Ritson, wife of Thomas Ritson, cabman, who resides in College street, reported to the police on the Ist inst. that her husband had returned home with his cab about 4.45 a.m. that morning, with a large cut over his eye and another on his temple. Ritson stated that he had. been struck by a man in Fraser’s-lane, and then again he said he had fallen off hi 3 cab. Next day further in-/ quiries were made into the matter by the police authorities. Dr Pemberton, who has been attending Ritson, was spoken to, and he stated that the wound received by the man might have been caused by falling off the cab, or being kicked by the horse. From what the detective who made the inquiry could learn, Dr Pemberton appeared to be satisfied that the accident was caused by the horse while being taken out of the cab. It appears that the horse is in the habit of bolting directly the harness is taken off him. There was a large quantity of blood found in the yard, which goes to show that the accident happened there. Ritson now states that he has no recollection of how the affair happened. SPECIAL INVITATION. Residents in the Country, when they_ visit Wellington, either for pleasure or business, are reminded that they can combine both by calling at Te Aro House. This new and commodious warehouse is now one of the most interesting sights in Wellington, and contains a very Extensive Stock of recently imported Drapery Goods of all descriptions. The proprietor is desirous of cultivating a closer connection and enlarging his transactions with residents in the Country districts, and herewith extends a cordial invitation to everyone to visit Te Aro House, and will be pleased to see as many as can possibly call. AH goods are marked at Wholesale Prices, and can be inspected without the necessity of purchasing. No one will be pressed to buy. There is on the premises a very comfortable REFRESHMENT ROOM

This is always open during business hours, so that customers may obtain tea, coffee, and other light refreshments at any time and at very reasonable charges. Visitors will also have the privilege of ascending the lofty tower of Te Aro House, which commands a beautiful panoramic view of the city and harbor.

We regret to learn that Thomas Phipps, the steward of the barque Wave Queen, who met with a serious accident some time ago, succumbed to his injuries at the Hospital at half-past eight last night week. A successful experiment has just been made, by the Directors of the Glasgow Underground Railway in lighting the carriages of the Company with electricity. The light is better than gas, while the cost is only about a third thereof. France seems to be in a bad way, shakey in politics, her population stationary, frightfully disturbed by violent natural prejudices, and with a vendetta on her hands, she seemß drifting into the position of the Ishmalite of Europe—her hand against every man. A contemporary thus discourses on one phase of the agitation there:—“Throughout France there is a determined opposition to the employment of foreign laborers. The city authorities at Paris have actually forbidden the contractors for public works to hire any foreigners. Elsewhere workmen have taken the matter into their own hands, and endeavored to influence employers by threats. These practical expressions of protection ideas seem to be formulated with a purposed disregard of the fact that in nearly every large city of Italy, in Vienna, and in Moscow and St Petersburg there are thousands of French mechanics.” The horticultural, dog, and poultry show in connection with the Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Society was held at Carterton last Friday, and owing no doubt to the energy and enthusiasm shown by the Secretary, assisted by the Stewards, it proved to be, as was anticipated, as successful as any previously held. The exhibits, likely on account of the backward season, were perhaps not so numerous as on former occasions, but their excellence generally compared favorably with, and in many cases excelled, any exhibits previously displayed. An interesting feature of the show was the Wellington Woollen Company’s exhibit of tweeds, blankets, and flannels, and it might be well for the management to do business by taking orders at future exhibitions. The incubator shown by Mr D. S. Papworth, of Masterton, having been so timed that the chickens could be seen merging from the shells, as may be imagined, created a large amonnt of interest. Wool work, watercolors, and oil-paintings by local exhibitors were well represented, and were worthy of a good deal of praise. I ■A writer in a Haddington (Scotland) paper discourses as follows on New Zealand poli ics :—“ Coming fresh from the Old Country, where the lines; of demarcation between the various political parties which rule, or seek to rule the State, are pretty clearly indicated by the terms Whig, Radical, and Tory or Conservative, I found myself in a state of bewilderment when I discovered that these well - known terms have no such political signification here. Politicians in the Colony, who in respect to some planks of the political platform, would at Home be regarded as Whigs of the good old Lord John Russell type, in respect to •ther planks' would be classed as thoroughgoing Radicals. In fact, party nomenclature here seems as yet in such an initiatory state that it would be quite misleading to designate any political party by any distinctive epithet. At Home, family tradition has a great deal to do in determining a man’s politics as well as his religion, but here, where the principle of heredity has not yet had time to make its influence so powerfully felt, one’s politics, as well as his religion, is determined by more utilitarian influences. Great political questions accordingly as they crop up and become what are called * burning questions,’ are treated more on their intrinsic merits than as mere party questions. Of course, both in the Upper and Lower Houses of the Legislature there are the supporters'of the Government and the Opposition. The lines, however, on which any Government, which may happen to bo in power, runs are not by any means so fixed and well defined as they are at Home. The Government policy is very much a ‘hand-to-mouth’ policy, and this almost as a matter of necessity. ”

An English paper publishes the following interesting remarks upon the virtues and utility of kauri gum :—Many years ago Dr Hammond, of Bournemouth, presented me with a fine specimen of kauri gum, which one of his’ sous had brought from Auckland, in New Zealand. In experimenting with the gum thus supplied, I have found that it may be made to perform many useful services in medicine. When the gum is burned—and it burns briskly—it giveß out a very pleasant odor, which destroys the odor of putrefying organic substances most effectively. Dissolved in spirit it makes a fluid which burns in the lamp with good effect. Reduced to a fine powder and shaken with water, it communicates to the water new properties, so that, sprayed in a room, it "renders the air ozonic. It mixes well with ointments, forms a good combination with soap, and combined with iodine, is a useful deodoriser and disinfectant. The gum is from a pine, the kauri tree, Dammara Australis. - The following astounding story was published in the San Francisco Bulletin as a telegram from the town of Stockport, dated October 14th last. We should think the circumstance did create intense excitement; and although it reads “ yarnily,” there may be more truth in it than the “quid nuncs are prepared to admit. We live in an age of queer eventualities. The telegram said :—Willie Brough, twelve years old, who created excitement among superstitious people near Turlock by apparantly setting fire to all objects by his glance on Sunday last, and who is held responsible for the destruction of 9,000 dol. worth of farm property, has been expelled from the Madison country school, near Turlock, on account of his wonderful freaks. After Sunday’s fire Brough’s family refused to have anything to do with him, believing him possessed of a devil. The boy was taken in by a farmer and sent to school. On the first day there were five fires in the school —one in the centre of the ceiling, one in the teacher’s desk, one in the teacher’s wardrobe, and two on the wall._ The boy discovered all, and cried from fright. The trustees met and expelled him that night. One Turlock insurance agent haß given notice that he will cancel all policies on property occupied by the boy. The neighborhood of Turlock is in a furore of excitement about the mystery.

The Severn Tunnel, which has been thirteen, years in construction, and ha 3 cost £5,000,000, was opened for goods traffle recently. It is nearly four miles and a half in length, of which two miles and a quarter are beneath the arm of the sea. In its construction 75,000,000 bricks have been used. The change that is fast taking place in-the view with which the Scotch Presbyterian clergy regard Sunday observance is strikingly shown by, the remarks made by the Rev Principal Cunningham at a harvest festival at Crieff Parish Church on Sunday, October 17. He Baid that his parishioners were in a great measure to blame for the present disastrous harvest. On a recent Sunday when all the crop was in a fit state to be gathered in, the farmers and their servants were either in church or in bed when they should have been in the fields. The country would suffer in almost every respect on account of the bad harvest. Ali thisjwas caused by the too rigid and puritanical observance of the Sunday in question. Iu conclusion, the reverend gentleman said that the late disastrous seasons would work good in the end. They were on the verge of a revolution both in regard tothe land laws aud agriculture in genera). Everything in connection with agriculture must be greatly changed, aud a season like the present would greatly hasten that day. A Paris correspondent telegraphs to a London paper:—“A famouß highwayman named J. Mesanti has been captured near Castellan by the Corsican gendarmerie under the following circumstances. His track was discovered at the village of Piano, and one evening a squad of gendarmes had surrounded him, and were about to make him a prisoner, when he turned round unexpectedly and discharged the two barrels of his gun at his pursuers, without, however, hitting anybody. A gendarme named Vincenti engaged in an encounter with Mesanti, and both rolled , down a steep incline of seventy feet. It was pitch dark, and the other gendarmes were not aware of the terrible position of their comrade. On hearing his desperate cries for help, they came came up in time to save his life and to pinion Mesanti. Almost at that very moment a company of gendarmes from St. Andrea di Bozio, under a Captain Vinciguerra, were chasing another brigand named Guiseppe Maria Ciattoni, who had been in, the neighborhood of Sermano. His hiding place was discovered, and his retreat cut off. Seeing this he resolved to sell his life dearly, and fired at the captain, who was at the head of his men, but missed him. M. Vinciguerra immediately discharged his revolver on Ciattoni with fatal effect.”

A very remarkable summary of “The Voluntary Contributions of the Church of England for 25 years ” ha 3 been going the round of the English papers in relation to the rumor that an attempt was in contemplation to bring about a disestablishment. It is compiled from official returns for the years 1860 —1884, and shows that, without taking into account the funds raised for certain distinctive Church Societies, institutions, and charities, or for parochial purposes, or for founding and maintaining middle-class schools, or for supporting Church sisterhoods, or for assisting societies and institutions not of a distinctive Church character (aIL of these representing a very large additional sum) —the voluntary offerings of the Church of England for religious and charitable purposes amounted to the enormous sum of £81,573,237 than 814 millions sterling, or at the rate of over 3£ millions yearly. Among the individual items were the following:—Church building and restoration, endowments of benefices, building of parsonages, establishment of burial grounds (all grants from Church Societies and Corporations being excluded), £35,175,000; elementary education, £21,362,041; societies for the promotion of education by literature and other agencies, £987,841 ; temperance work, £128,590; additional curates, £2,543,296; Home Mission Societies, £585,623 ; Seamen’s Mission, £352,588 ; Church Extension Societies, £1,229,603 ; Bishops’ fund for church extension, £1,055,054; charitable work (distinctively Church of England institutions), £3,518,200 ; Clergy charities, £2,103.364 ; Foreign Missions (exclusively of contributions locally raised abroad), £10,100,000. All these are, it should be observed, entirely “voluntary” contributions. This is a noble record, and forcibly demonstrates the continued vitality of the venerable national Church. Last spring and summer in the Mother Country seem to have been peculiarly unseasonable. The weather was dead against all out-of-door sports, anglers specially suffering from it—“ Never was such a bad season for fishing known.” That genial journal, The Field, discourses upon the subject instructively and pleasantly, and introduces a remarkable incident in connection with it. Says our contemporary :—“ At a hospitable Yorkshire table recently, the subject was strikingly, presented, indirectly, in the course of conversation. We were talking about the plague of midges which had afflicted certain districts during the end of September. People, it seems, swept them .off the steps -in shovel loa ; s, and children going to school had to cover their mouths.to save themselves from choking. A lady present suggested that the early departure of the swallows might be one of the reasons for this unprecedented flight of small flies. The mention of swallows thereupon brought up many, reminiscences of the havoc wrought amongst those feathered visitants in the spring by the cold. They died in hundreds in the yards and around the barn doors, and were so tame that every morning the siH outside the sitting-room in which we were gathered was covered with poor hungry birds, who came to be fed, and would tap the panes with their stumpy little bills if the rations had not been served out by the sympathetic damsels, who pitied their woful plight and took up their case. Now, it was noted that the swallows had departed weeks before their usual time. My host turned to me and hinted that the swallows and anglers had been alike in their experiences. For himself he could not remember a worse year.” - TOWLE’S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so prevalent with the sex. Boxes Is ljd. arid 2s. 9d.,0f all Chemist and Patent Medicine/ 1 Venders. Prepared only by the Lincoln and Midland Counties Drupr Co, Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of imitations.

A church fete is be held at Johnson ville -on Saturday, the 18th instant.

A crowd assembled on the Queen’s Wharf ■to witness the departure of the Mararoa with the Australian Cricketers. The vessel left the wharf at a quarter past seven, and hearty cheers were given for the visitors. ■ A dav or. two ago, Mr W. R. Holmes was presented by his fellow employes m the Audit Department with a handsome silver 'tea and coffee service, the occasion being Mr Holmes’ approaching marriage, which took place on Wednesday last week. * A meeting of Petone ratepayers was held yesterday week to consider the extension of Oampbell-street. It was decided to appoint a committee to take the matter up - and see what amount could be raised by public subscription toward the proposed exten--sion, and to make the necessary terms. It is stated that hares are being shot in the neighborhood of Wellington, the close season notwithstanding. A gentleman was going to Karori at about 8 o’clock on Ihursd.av evening, when he met three men with guns, and carrying hares. The poachers may thank their stars that it was dark at the time, or they would certainly have been •prosecuted.

The "Emigrant and Colonists' Aid Corpora, tion, Limited, advertise for sale by private contract 20,000 acres of their fine property in the Manawatu District. The land is divided into blocks and sections to suit the requirements of all classes of purchasers. The terms of the sale are exceedingly liberal. Particulars and plans can be obtained from Messrs T. K. Macdonald and Co., or from .Mr D. H. Macarthur, M.H.R., Resident Agent at Feilding for the Corporation. The following applications for patents have been received :• —Richard Hornsby and Sons, of Grantham, Lincolnshire, for improvements in harvesting machines and straw trussers; D. R. S. Galbraith of Auckland, for a molecular ehlorodizing process ; E. o. Brookes of Wharehine, Auckland, for a wire measure ; J. A. Packer of Nelson, for invention for giving action to joints of artificial legs ; R. Cockerell of Invercargill, for improvements in centres of disc-harrows ana cultivators ; and for improvements in tree ■and stump-extractors and other powers. A member of the “speeler” fraternity relieved a man of £9 between the Upper .and Lower Hutt a day or two ago by means of the game known as te three-card monte. On arrival at the Lower Hutt information was given to Constable Harnett, who telegraphed to Wellington that the parties were on their way to town. Detective Chrystal arrived at the station just as the train came in, and quickly recognised a doubtful character in company with the dupe—a man named MeColl. The latter said the man with whom he was in company had egged him on in the game, but the person who* 5 had fleeced him had got out at a wayside station. MoColl refused to prosecute the confederate, or give any information to the police in the event of getting his money refunded, and this being ultimately arranged, the. detective was unable to take action.

The liabilities and assets in the bankrupt estate of Samuel Evens, oab proprietor, are as follow : —Liabilities —S. Smith, £7 ; Wellington Loan Company, £196 ; G. Brierley, £42 ;W. Tonks, £6 lls 10d; S. Rowe, £9 :C. Kent (Christchurch), £3 ; Wilcox, £3 : D. Cameron, £3 10s ; C. Wycherley, £1 103 : Ramsay, £1 17s 6d ;G. Luke, £6O ; W. Auld, £8 15s ; H. Crockett, £27; F. Sidey, £l7 ; Brunner Coal Company, £3 ; J. Fitchett, £3; Smith, £1 ISs 6d ; R. Somerville, £3; E. A. Armstrong, £lO ; G. Chittock, £2 ; C. Rasmussen, £2 10a ; You Lick, 16s ; W. Mackenzie, £lO ; C. Smith, £2 ; Greatrex and Son, £2 ; M. Tracey, £2 3s 6d; .G. Denton, £1 10s ; T. Buller, £2 103 ; Hume, £2O ; Chapman and Fitz Gerald, £3 3s ; total, £456 5s 4d. Assets—Stables, Willis-street, £3BO ; furniture, £lO ; shares in Island Bay Racing Club, £18; total, £4OB. The Wellington Loan Company hold a bill which covers the horses, carriages, &c.

A deputation consisting of Mr H. S. Fitzherbert, M.H.R., Mr P. Cleland, Chairman of the-Hutt Town Board, Mr Carter, member of* the Petone Town Board, Mr R. C. Kirk, solieitor to the same Board, and Mr C. E. Bunny, waited on the Minister for Public Works yesterday week with reference to the subject of season tickets on the railway. It was suggested that the price might be paid in decreasing quarterly instalments at the following rates : —First quarter, £3 ; second, £2los; third, £1 15s ; fourth, £1 ss, making a total of £8 10s instead of £B, the sum now charged for yearly tickets. Mr Richardson doubted whether such a system would work well, but promised to consider the matter. The questions of running a working men’s train, and of granting young operatives -the same reductions as are allowed to apprentices, were also mentioned. Mr Richardson promised to take the former into consideration and to communicate his decision on the matters to Mr Fitzherbert.

Mr J. F. Floyd has been delivering a series of practical discourses at the Christians’ Chapel, Dixon-street, during the past few weeks. The first two were intended more especially for women, but Sunday night’s address was more particularly for men, being entitled “Providing for the House.” The novelty of the subject had the effect of attracting a large audience, and the remarks of the speaker were much appreciated. Among other things, Mr Floyd said that there were two words in the English language which were more sacred than any other. They were “ mother ” and “home,” and it had fallen to the lot of man to prowide for the home and, of course, for the mother as well. He pointed out that too often meu behaved very gallantly, before marriage, but afterward they left their wives to provide for themselves. This was not as it should be. A man ought always to behave in a gentlemanly manner toward his wife. The speaker dealt at considerable length on the important duty which devolved on men m providing for the house, and marked out a course which, if carried out, would, no doubt, increase domestic happiness. . He strongly objected, however, to marriages being contracted by men for mercenary motives, as he thought it was absolutely necessary for the head of the house to provide for its wants by his own labor.

The promotion of Major E. M. T. Boddam to the rank of Colonel in the New Zealand Militia is notified in the Gazette.

The Hospital Steward acknowledges with thanks the receipt of old linen from Mrs Evans, Brunswick Hotel, and Mrs P. A. Quick. - We have received a copy of the first number of “The Journalist,” a weekly newspaper published in London for all newspaper producers. The Gazette announces the resignation of Lieutenant A. W\ Agnew, of the Sydenham Rifle Volunteers, on his appointment to the 2nd Battalion H.M. Essex Regiment. The officer commanding the Ist Regiment (North Island) New Zealand Cavalry has been authorised to frank letters, telegrams, and parcels on the public service. The Jubilee Tent, No. 50, has been registered under the Friendly Societies Act as a branch of the New Zealand Central District of the Independent Order of Reohabites, Salford Unity.

The Hospital authorities desire to acknowledge the receipt of some beautiful flowers forwarded by Mr Charles tGodber, superintendent of the Vivian-streefc Baptist Sunday School.

have to acknowledge the receipt of the copy of a pamphlet by Mr G. A. Schoch containing instructions for raising mulberry trees and silkworms. The pamphlet has been printed at the Government Printing Office.

On Saturday afternoon, a lad of about 10 or 12 years of age, who was playing with some companions on the Railway Wharf, in some unexplained manner tumbled into the water, and, but for the prompt action of Mr Robinson, chief steward of the Hinemoa, who succeeded in rescuing him, the consequences would probably have been serious. The following information has been supplied to the Marine Department : —On the 28th July last, when the schooner Sibyl, of Auckland, was about twelve miles off the Island of Manahiki, Cook’s Group, Captain Trayte fell overboard, and a sailor named Kairangi, a native of that fsland, jumped overboard and endeavored to save him, but unsuccessfully, although he succeeded in recovering his body. The gallant conduct of Kairangi was brought by the Marine Department under the notice of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia, and that Department has received a communication from the Society, notifying that its silver medal has been awarded to him for his humane exertions on that occasion.

The eighth annual Flower Service was held at the Baptist Church School, Vivianstreet, on Sunday afternoon. The service was opened by the Superintendent, Mr C. Godber, and an address was delivered by Pastor H. H. Driver from the words in the song of Solomon “I am the Rose of Sharon, 7 The sight was a very pleasant one while the congregation were singing the hymn (“ Come, ye children, sweetly sing ”) to ses the children carrying their bouquets of flowers, with illuminated Scripture texts attached to them, and handing them to two young ladies, who arranged them upon a raised platform. At the conclusion of the service the flowers were distributed to the inmates of the Hospital and Asylum. At the meeting of the City Council last Friday night, Councillor McKenzie drew attention to the wantof accommodationonthe Basin Reserve, and suggested that the matter should be brought under the notice of the City Reserves Committee. Councillor Coombe suggested that the gates should be put on hinges so that they could be taken off. As they were it was impossible for more than one person to get out at a time. He remarked that yesterday he saw several ladies gettiug knocked about by the crowd while attempting to get out. Councillor Youug thought the gates should be made so as to admit perambulators. Councillor McKenzie thought that some more seats should be provided. The Mayor remarked that the matter was already before the Reserves Committee.

A soiree and social meeting under the ausDices of the Wellington Young Men’s Christian Association took place at their rooms in the Athenseum last Friday evening, and passed off very pleasantly. The corridor at the top of the stairs and the rooms were decorated with nikau palms, the walls of the concert room being draped with the flags of all nations. In addition to the Society’s rooms they had use of Mrs Nichol’s School of Art, together with pupils’ work kindly lent for the occasion. Addresses were given by the Revs "W. H. W est, L. M. Isitt, J. K. Elliott, H. H. Driver, and Mr G. Teller. The choir, under the baton of Mr Lankshear, gave several glees in capital style, and were warmly applauded. A handsome testimonial, in the shape of a tea and coffee service of solid silver, Bubscribed by his personal friends to Mr J. Nancarrow (late Inspector of Machinery), was presented on their behalf by Mr McKaig, chief engineer of the s.s. Mararoa, at 3 o’clock last. Friday. The presentation took place at the office of Mr C. Tringham, architect, and in making it Mr C. McKaig referred in suitable terms to the happy relations which Mr Nancarrow had always maintained with all whom he had come in contact with in his late office. After Mr Nancairow had replied in a few appropriate and well-chosen remarks, the meeting dispersed. It should be mentioned that the plate, which is of a very fine design, was purchased from Messrs Hislop and Co., to whom the engraving was also entrusted.

The quarterly meeting of the Te Aro Licensing Committee was held last Friday. Present—Messrs G. Fisher (in the chair), F. H. Fraser, and J. Collins. It was agreed to grant a transfer of the license for the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel to Mr John Bertie. The police reported that no attempt had been made to rebuild the Panama Hotel. Mr Gully, who appeared for the owner and licensee, stated that plans had been prepared by Mr Turnbull for a new house. Mr Turnbull produced the plans, and stated that tenders for the buildiDg had been called for. This was accepted as satisfactory. The police complained about the furniture in some of the rooms of the Foresters’ Arms and Victoria Hotels. The Clerk reported that he had written to the licensees on the subject.

It is satisfactory to learn that the traffic on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway line since it was opened through has been very large, especially in wool. The passenger and goods traffic have both exceeded the expectations which were held of it.

At the meeting of the Council last Monday night Councillor Coombe remarked that it wa3 a great privilege that a member of the Harbor Board (meaning Councillor Petherick, who had just been speaking) should come there and take part in a discussion on a subject in which both bodies were concerned. It appeared to him something like a case of “double banking.” The Mayor remarked that he was a member of the Harbor Board, and was therefore in the same position as Councillor Petherick. This remark was productive of some laughter, and the matter dropped.

We are indebted to the Post Office authorities for the following communication : The Aorangi’a voyage just completed is not the quickest, as is generally supposed, although it is the second best. Her voyage in July last is still the quickest on record by 1 hour 15 minutes. The outward voyages of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamers for the past six months are given below, and will be interesting if only showing how close has been the running of the Aorangi, ltimutaka, Tongariro, and Kai-koura-.—July, Aorangi, 39 days, 3 hours, 27 minutes ; August, P.imutaka, 39 days, 5 hours, 12 minutes ; September, Ruapehu, 41 days, 8 hours, 52 minutes ; October, Kaikoura, 39 days, 7 hours, 45 minutes ; November, Tongariro, 39 days, 5 hours, 52 minutes ; December, Aorangi, 39 days, 4 hours, 42 minutes. All these are, of course, the “gross” times, i.e., including stoppages. In granting an order of discharge to a debtor at the Bankruptcy Court on Monday morning, Mr Justice Richmond, who presided, remarked that it was quite within the discretion of the Judge to commit for a term of imprisonment under the Bankruptcy Act any person who neglected to keep accountbooks. In two cases,that came before his Honor, the debtors (both publicans) stated that they had not kept any accounts of their transactions beyond a statement of receipts. Mr Jellicoe remarked that, if it was necessary for small traders to be expert accountants, he thought very few people would embark in commercial pursuits. His Honor replied that he did not consider it necessary that a tradesman should be skilled in'accounts, but he thought that people who obtained credit from their fellow-tradesmen should certainly keep some record of accounts to show what they had done with the proceeds of their business. He remarked that several publicans who had been before the Court had failed in this respect. Addressing a debtor who was before him, he advised her, if she again went into, business, to keep books and to bank her takings, and pay all her accounts by cheque or petty cash, and not out of the till. He pointed out that, if this course were adopted, creditors would be able to see that the business had been carried on in a satisfactory manner.

In the Bankruptcy Court onMonday morning, Mr Skerrett, solicitor for the bankrupt Samuel Des Forges, butcher, of Pahautanui, who was recently sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment by his Honor Mr Justice Prendergast, for not having kept a satisfactory account of his transactions, applied to Mr Justice Richmond to be allowed costs in the case. It will be remembered that in the case referred to Mr Skerrett appealed and obtained a writ of habeas corpus, and ou the debtor being subsequently brought before the Chief Justice, and Mr Skerrett’s case heard, the bankrupt was released from gaol. Mr Justice Richmond, in considering Mr Skerrett’s application, remarked that it seemed singular that the Legislature had framed the Judge’s power under the Bankruptcy Act, by which a summary conviction, followed by an order for imprisonment, could be recorded, but yet had failed to clearlv show by what mode the Judge’s powers should be carried out. He hoped that his remarks would reach the ears of those for whom they were intended. For himself he would not care to make an order for imprisonment in the case of a debtor who had not kept his accounts in a proper manner. His Honor alluded to the peculiar position in which the Chief Justice had been placed, for after having made an order for imprisonment he was compelled by the statute to set aside that order. His Honor granted Mr Skerrett’s application.

The following is the statement of liabili ies and assets in the estate of William Fades, who wa3 adjudged a bankrupt last Saturday . Liabilities Unsecured creditors, £2328185; secured creditors. £IOOO (estimated value of securities, £482 13s) ; other liabilities, £3Bl 5s lOd ; total liabilities, £3227 Us Bd. Assets—Stock-in-trade, £982 10s 3d ; book debt 3, £3SI 10s sd, estimated to produce £2OO ; cash, £1 4s 2d ; furniture, £6O ; property, £682 0s 6d ; total, £1920 14s lid. Deficiency, £l3Ol 16a 9d. The principal unsecured creditors are as follow :—Halley and Ewing, £703 9s 7d ; J.' D. Baird, £2OO ; G. Thomas and Co., £9S 4s 6d ; United Importers Co., £9O 13s 6d ; W. Booth and Co., £B3 10s 9d; Te Aro Loan Company, ~£Bo 63 ; A. J. Bennett, £6B Os 8d; Dawson and Co., £sl *7s 6d ; Stewart and Co., £SO; G. Remington, £SO; R. Carpenter, £54 4s 6d ; W. Scott, £56 7s ; Edmondson,WarmingtonandCo., £47 17s 7d; Hayman and Co., £SB 17s Id; W. Nathan and Co., 4'42 16s 4d; N. J. Isaacs, £4O 8s 9d; J. Myers, £3B 16s 9d; W. Tustin, £32 19s ; E. Tonks, £35 12s 6d ; H. Hill, £3O 13s 9d ; George Norbury, £25 17s ;P. Hutson, £4O 17s ; A. Compton, £29 6s lid ; Santeman and Co. (Sydney), £3O 9s 6d ; Thompson, Shannon and Co,, £2l 17s 6d ; G. Maslem, £l7 15s ; Standard Fire Insurance Company, £ls 15s ; Luke aud Sons, £l6 133 3d ; Burton and Platt, £22 ; L. Haughton, £25 ; Blundell Bros, £l4 10s ; E. Ritson, £lO 12s ; Messrs Clarkson (London), £lO 15s 6d ; Whittem, Nicholson and Co., £l2 10s ; W. Tinney, £ls ; F. Hill, £27 10s. The Bank of New Zealand is secured to the extent of £IOO0 —£600 overdraft (guaranteed by W. R. Waters and Thomas Hodgins). and £4OO, bills under discount. The debtor alleges that of the two gentlemen who guaranteed his overdraft the first is insolvent, and the other repudiates his liability. Among the liabilities is an item of £3Bl 5s 10s, promissory notes payable to W. R. I Waters, and discounted By him.

Mr S. W. Von Stiirmer has been appointed Judge of the Assessment Court for the District of Pahiatua.

A large number of the pupils of thd Mount Cook Girls’ School attended a picnic at Crofton ou Monday. The children had a capital day’s outing and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, Mrs Tarn and the assistants at the school doing all in their power to make the picnic a success.

The death of the late Ihaia Porutu has caused very general sorrow among the Natives in this district. At the beginning of the week large numbers of Maoris were to be seen in town who had come in from the Hutt aud the district generally to do honor to the memory of the deceased chief.

The south train on the Wellington—Manawatu railway line was delayed for some time on Saturday, in consequence of one of the engines breaking down at Kereru. However, another engine was procured from Shannon, and the train proceeded on its way to town, arriving here at a little after one o’clock on Sunday morning. Gray’s private band having some time ago decided to have their brass instruments silver-plated, have now entrusted the work to Messrs A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, and Mr J. E. Hayes, local agent for that firm, shippsdtheinstrumentstoDunsdin last week. It is satisfactory to see colonial industry encouraged in this way.

An application was made on Monday to the Native Minister by Mr Henry Pitt, brother of the late Isaiah Porutu, for permission to be given to Te Whiti to attend Porutu’9 funeral. Mr Ballance declined to grant the request. Such a permission being against the prison regulations, Mr Ballance would not recognise any distinction between Te Whiti and any other prisoner. Colonel Sir George Whitmore is, we learn, to be promoted to the rank of Major-General. The promotion had been in contemplation for some time, but there was a doubt as to whether such an appointment would not be beyond the power of a Colonial Government. This doubt having been removed, Colonel Whitmore >7lll be promoted as stated. The Manawatu Daily Times states that a sum of £2096 lls 6d deducted in London from the proceeds of the Palmerston Borough Loan, includes £1250, the amount of the first half year’s interest, which it appears has been “collared” before it is due. This leaves the Bank’s charges for raising the loan at £846 lls 6<3, and the- institution will also reap the benefit of the interest on the £1250 mentioned above. ..

The Wairarapa Daily of Monday gives the following account of the plucky act of a Chinaman .—As a son of Mr J. Irons was bathing in the Waipoua River yesterday, he got out oE his depth, and would have been drowned but for the prompt action of a Chinaman who was bathing In the same hole. Seeing the boy in difficulties, and noticing that he could not swim, he jumped in after him, and brought him to the shore none the worse for his ducking. A man who was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning with riding a horse over the footpath of Constablestreet pleaded as an excuse that the road was so badly made that he could not ride over, it. Some specimens of the metal ou the road, he added, had been exhibited in Court some time ago. Inspector Shearman remarked that the road had been made since then. “Oh, yes; I know the road,” said Mr Mackay, J.P., “I’ve been there ;” and the accused was fined a shilling. There was an exceptionally large muster at the “ Messiah ” practice on Monday, nearly 130 vocalists taking part. The more difficult choruses were assiduously rehearsed, and on the whole went fairly iix the end. Among the chief items in the evening’s work was the exacting “ Amep ” fugue, of which, after several unsuccessful attempts, an excellent performance was given, the volume of sound being vorv good. Mr,Robert Parker, being unfortunately ' illness,, MasRous Marten rehearsal; A man named J; whowas brought up at the:! Resident Magistrate’s Court ou Monday morning ph a charge of drunkenness and remandedjfor eight days, succeeding in the custody of the had by some means divested himself of his boots, and aided by a slight start, made the pace pretty warm for his pursuers —two gentlemen in blue—who were not by any means gifted with much wind or swiftness. After getting as far as the Lion Foundry the escapee skillfully ran full tilt into the arms of a stalwart laborer, who managed to hold him until the arrival of his legal custodians. The monthly meeting of the Featherston School Committee was held on Saturday evening, when there were present:—Messrs J. Donald (in the chair), Keys, Robertson, Barton, Benton, and Cundy. The headmaster suggested thit the present teaching staff should be continued instead of having another certificated teacher appointed. The average attendance for the month was reported to be 153. During the week the Committee will collect subscriptions to buy prizes for the children. A final meeting will be held on Saturday to make arrangements for prizes and a picnic. The visitors for the month, Messrs Benton and Barton, were instructed to see to repairs to the teacher’s house.

North and Scoullar, who have lately taken the premises on Lambton-quay formerly occupied by Mr Kimbell, nave a very fine display of furniture, &0., at their establishment. " The stock includes many articles manufactured of colonial wood and others of imported woods and materials. There are a great many novelties to be seen in the showrooms of the- firm, and numberless articles of furniture, which are elegant in design and workmanship. The business of the establishment has necessitated increased accommodation, and workshops have been built at the rear,, where the work is now in full swing. A specialty with Messrs North and Scoullar is the importation of pianos and organs from the best English and foreign makers. They have recently received a shipment of first-class instruments which are now on view—pianos by Lipp and Son and Kirkman and Co., and organs by the Carpenter Organ Company. Altogether the establishment is well worth a visit, especially as a local industry.

Mr Ballance, accompanied by Mr McKerrow, the Surveyor-General, left for the South, on Wednesday.

An information was laid on Tuesday, by Mr T. G. McCarthy against James Madden, i charging him with having used threatening language toward the complainant. The case J will be called for hearing on the 13th inst. i fSfAt the quarterly of the Karori Licensing Committee held on Tuesday there were present Messrs Dowsett (Chairman), i Hayes, and Cook. The only business for { transaction was an application for transfer of the Kilbirnie Hotel to Mr J. A. Williams, This application was granted. Within the last few days a number of trout have been turned out in the streams of the Rangitikei and Manawatu districts by --j Mr Alexander Rutherford, Secretary to the Acclimatisation Society. The fish were principally of this year’s hatching, but there j. are also a number of yearlings, the transport of which in safety is rather a difficult matter.

A very successful concert was given at the j United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom < on Tuesday night, in aidof the organ and choir funds. There was a very good attendance. Several well-known amateur vocalists and musicians took part in the concert. Miss Hill officiated at the pianoforte, and Mr Billman acted as conductor. Four tenders were received for the stock- i in-trade and book debts in the estate of Donald Chisholm, grocer, Molesworth-street, by the Official Assignee. The tenders were opened on Tuesday, tbe successful tenderer being Messrs A. S. Chapman and Co. (£251). j The other tenderers were : —Messrs S. and J. Myers, £250; Messrs G. Thomas, £200; andE. Reeves and Co., £IBO, Various reports have been circulated and contradicted as to an impending change in the Civil Service hours. It has been alleged that after the close of this year the Civil Service hours will extend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour for luncheon in the middle of the day, thus approximating more closely to the hours in mercantile offices. This report was denied, and it was asserted that the matter had never been even discussed by the Government. We believe the fact to be that, although the proposal has not yet come formally before the Cabinet, it has been freely discussed among Ministers, and that the majority are in favor of the change. It is by no means certain as yet, however, that anything will come of it. We have received from the publisher, Mr C. T. Simpson, a set of views photographed from original drawings of towns and places in Victoria as they appeared in the “fifties.” To people who were acquainted with the great gold land in those days the pictures will be recommended by their extreme ~vi fidelity in their depiction of the scenes represented. Ballarat Flat, Castlemaine, parts of Melbourne and Geelong, Warrnambool, Mount Macedon, Kyneton, scenes of old Bendigo are among the forty-two pictures which make up the “set” of photographs Mr Simpson has for sale, and as a souvenir of the old heroic days of colonial life they are not to be surpassed.

Speaking at the Municipal banquet last Tuesday, Mr Wm. Fitz Gerald, referring to the benefit of frequent changes in the Council, on the ground that it allowed intelligent outside opinion to be exercised on municipal questions, was exceedingly severe on writers of letters to the press. There was, he said, the most dense and perverse ignorance amongst the ratepayers on Corporation affairs ; and that was why they saw such idiotic letters in the newspapers about public matters. He did. not refer to what the papers said—he would not for a moment suggest that editors ever wrote about things they did not understand. But he referred to the letters.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of several useful and attractive calendars for the coming year. Messrs B. Smith and Co., as agents for the Norwich Union Insurance Society, issue some very handsome cards, large'and small, of which the chief feature is a fine view of Norwich Cathedral. The New Zealand Insurance Company send handy office calendars, from which can-he .detached successive slips, each bearing the - days of one week. Mr A. L, Fraser, fruiterer, greengrocer, confectioner, &c., of Molesworth-street, brings out a large and effective picture of Balmoral Castle in a wide gilt border ; in the foreground Her Majesty the Queen and Princesß Beatrice are seen sketching. These calendars are pa l ticularly well got up this year.

The ladies belonging to the Congregational Church, Woodward-street held a sale of work in their school-room adjoining the church on Tuesday. The sale, which was in aid of the building fund of the new church, was opened at 2 o’clock by the Rev Mr West. The following ladies assisted in getting up, and took part in the sale, and to their energy and zeal the success of this and many previous sales is due. Refreshment stall—Mrs West-Knowles and Miss Hopkins; apron stall —Miss Wallace ; linen stall—Mrs Calcott; “shilling” stall—Mrs Rout; fancy stall —Mrs Hopkins and Miss Knowleß; “ sixpenny ” stall—Miss Davis ; fairy well— Mrs Grady. There is £2OO at present banked to the credit of tho building fund, the result of previous sales, and judging by the brisk business done on Tuesday afternoon and. evening, the present one should make a material addition thereto.

Juvenile crime is evidently on the increase in this city—a fact which is palpably shown, by the number of youthful culprits that are almost daily being brought before the Magistrate on charges of theft and other criminal., offences. It will he remembered that last week quite a number of young pilferers were brought up for stealing, and several of them were punished. On Tuesday, a boy of about 10 years of age was brought up t» /; answer two charges of larceny, One wit — :J ness gave evidence that since the death off the boy’s mother he had been sadly neg«* lected, in fact ill-treated by his surviving: parent. In a number of these cases it is variably shown that the children have betaoi neglected or ill-treated by their parents,, serf that it is not to be wondered at that fclotyr should deviate from the paths of honjeeiy- 1 In reference to this particular ease, it ts? believed the boy is connected with, the treatpass upon Mr F. Buck’s residence,, T-say—- . street.

The next sitting of the Bankruptcy Court -will be held on the 10th January, 1886. The Moscow Gazette says that the pro-

ject of connecting the White Sea and Lake Onega by means of a canal will be realised much sooner than was expected. The Zemstvo of Olonetz petitioned last year in favor of the immediate expropriation of the necessary lands, and voted 'an advance of 15,000 roubles for that purpose, and the Ministry of Lines of Communication has now contributed 13,500 roubles to the same object. The total cost of the work is estimated at 7,000,000 roubles. The length of the canal will be 56 versts, the terminal points being the village of Somny in the Bay of Onega and Povenatz, near Lake Onega. This new waterway is especially indispensable for supplying Northern Bussia with' corn and promoting commerce between the inhabitants and the

Norwegians. Facilities will be afforded for exploiting the rich mines of Olonetz. At present the cost of transport for goods from Archangel to St. Petersburg is one rouble per pond (361 b); by the opening of the canal the rate will be reduced to 40 kopecks.

The usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Trustees was held on Tuesday afternoon. Present —Rev H. Van Staveren (in the chair), his Worship the Mayor, Messrs Smith, Wilson, McKenzie, and Danks. The Mayor asked, before they went into the question of giving extra relief, if it would not be as well to see if they had exceeded the estimated expenditure, They had told the District Board that they would only require a certain amount, and he did not think they should go over that amount. The Rev "Mr Van Staveren thought that the estimated expenditure had not beenexceeded. The Treasurer (Mr C. P. Powles) said he could not give any information on the matter offhand. After some further discussion, it was decided that the treasurer should present a rough sketch of the expenditure at next meeting. Various cases were dealt with and relief afforded. In the case of a woman who resides at the Hutt, and who applied for relief, no action was taken. No action was taken in several other cases. An application by a person who wished to adopt an orphan was granted. The Mayor said that it would be more satisfactory to hold the meetings of the Trust fortnightly instead of weekly. The Rev. Mr Van Staveran thought it would be a difficult matter to alter the period of meeting, as they had been in the habit of holding their meetings weekly for years. The Mayor, however, expressed a wish that the members would consider the matter before next meeting. Accounts amounting to £B3 9s, including £7O 133 9d for rations, etc., and £9 10s, funeral expenses, were passed for payment.

The following correspondence passed between the Mayor and Mr John Plimmer recently on the subject of the establishment of a museum or art gallery in connection with the proposed new town hall :—Mayor’s Office, Wellington, 7th July, 1886. —John Plimmer, Esq,—-Dear Sir, —A proposal to build a town hall and public library is likely to be brought forward soon, and I want in the meantime to do what I can in the way of collecting such articles as possess anything in the nature of historic interest to our city—such as pictures, portraits, documents, or "old newspapers, &c.—and I thought possibly you may have something you would like to hand over to. assist in forming the collection. If you have not, perhaps you can assist in some other way by inducing -some of your friends to help.—l am, &c., A. W. Brown, Mayor.—Wellington, July Bth, 1886. —His Worship the Mayor.—Dear Sir, —ln answer to your application for pictures, &e., to decorate the proposed new town hall and public library, I beg to communicate that I have a -dozen portraits in my billiard-room at Plimmer’s Hotel, which were taken to commemorate one of the greatest and most important local works in this province. They consist ■of the speakers of both Houses of Parliament, and the Ministers in power, who passed the Bill for the construction of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, and are of historical value to the city of Wellington. I should be prepared to give these to the city ■on condition that they are gronped so that their significance should not be lost. Amongst them is a splendid likeness of Sir George Grey. I have also two frames of old identities and other local characters, including the -chief promoters of the railway, and last though not least, a full-length portrait, by Mr Beetham, our local artist, of Mr Edward Jerningham Wakefield, whose father founded the Colony of New Zealand. I don’t know that a more fitting place could be found for their reception than a new town hall library, but I should not consent to their removal till the hall is ready for their reception. —I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, John Plimmer. The Mayor then ■wrote accepting the offer on behalf of the city.