TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 772, 17 December 1886, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The promotion of Sir George Whitmore to the rank of Major-General in theNewZea--land Militia and Defence Forces is formally announced in the Gazette. ' : ;, . ' WJIA. meeting of the Wellington Bowling , Club was held on Saturday! on their temporary green in the Tinakori-road., There - was a fair attendance. Mr G. S. Cooper was voted to the chair—a mat on the grass. It was agreed to proceed with the work of forming a peimanent bowling green off Upper Willis-street, and to collect all outstanding subscriptions during the ensuing week. The Club numters between 70 and 80 members. Play takes place at present on the temporary green, kindly lent by the Hon W. Johnston, ! on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Several very enjoyable gamos have been i already played, and the green presents quite j a lively appearance as the members follow, with the usual excitement, the varying chances of the play. It is hoped that by next year the Club will be in a position to inaugurate interprovincial matches with Taranaki, Auckland, Canterbury and Otago. The examination in drawing of teachers, pupil teachers and training students in the Wellington District was held last Saturday week with very satisfactory results. Mr Riley was the examiner. There were 113 candidates ; 186 papers were taken, out of which there were 138 passes and 45 failures. The results of the several examinations are as follow : —Teachers—Black-board, 18 papers taken and 14 passed ; freehand, 16 papers .taken and 14 passed; model, 19 papers taken and 11 passed ; geometrical, 4 papers taken and 3 passed ; perspective, 4 papers taken and 3 passed. College students— Black-board, 8 papers taken and 7 passed ; freehand, 5 papers taken and all passed ; model, 7 papers taken and 6 passed ; geo--1 metrical, 1 paper taken and a pass resulted: perspective, 2 papers taken and both passed. Pupil teachers—Black-board, 39 papers taken > , and 34 passed ; freehand, 3S papers taken and 2S passed ; model, 21 papers taken and 9 passed ; geometrical, 1 paper presented which passed. Generally the examination was in every way satisfactory, and Mr Riley is thoroughly well-satisfied. Great credit is due to that gentleman for the way in which he worked to get the results of the examination out, for, although the examination did not conclude till late on the Saturday, the results were all posted by the next Wednesday evening. The examination' took place in Wellington and Masterton. Mr Riley proceeded to Masterton iaßt week for the pur- . pose of examining a few remaining candidates.

A meeting of the Hospital Committee was held in the Council Chambers yesterday week. Present—Messrs Fraser (chairman), Gaby, Danks, Kebbell, Luke, Williams, Perkins, and Newman. The House Committee’s report was read and adopted. It stated that the usual fortnightly visit had been paid to the Hospital, and that it had been found clean in every part and in good order ; that the wards had been renovated, with beneficial results; that the time books of the various employes, carpenters, seamstresses, &c., had been examined, and it was found that their time was fully occupied. It was recommended by the Committee that the carpenter be instructed to make a case for the surgical , instruments recently received from London, as a suitable case could not be purchased ready-made. The report also stated that the fittings for the dispensary had arrived, but it had not yet been decided whether to use them in the present Dispensary or to wait till the new one is erected. The Chairman read a letter from Mr W. S. Millar, Secretary to the Christchurch Hospital Board, stating that the Minister of Justice had ordered that after the Ist of March next cases cf delirium tremens were to be referred to the various Hospitals throughout the Colony, instead of to the gaols as heretofore, and asking for an expression of -opinion from the Wellington Committee in reference to the matter. Mr Fraser said that, on receipt of the letter, he had got from the visiting medical staff of the Hospital their opinion, which seemed to approve the plan of having patients suffering from delirium tremens treated at the Hospital in preference to the gaol. It was resolved, after some further discussion, on the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Luke, that the receipt of Mr Millar’s letter be acknowledged, and that he be informed that the opinion of the Wellington Committee is that the Govern, ment Bhould be asked not to resort to compulsory measures with reference to the matter till Parliament meets. Dr Newman brought up the matter of the reserve in Fitzherbert Terrace. He said that the reserve belonged half to the Wellington College, and half to the Hospital, and that it was at present in a very bad condition. He thought that something should be done in the matter at once. He would recommend that a committee of two be appointed to meet the College Governors and see what could be done. After further discussion it was decided, on the motion of Mr Luke—That a committee consisting of Dr Newman and Mr Williams be appointed to meet the College Governors, and to present a joint report at next meeting. The meeting then went into committee.

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. All goods are marked at Wholesale Prices, and can be inspected without the necessity of purchasing. No ONE WILL BE PRESSED TO BUT. There is OH. 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.

A Post Office has been opened atWaiwaka, in the Wellington postal district, and Mr D. Braid has been appointed postmaster. We are informed that it is intended to ’take proceedings against an insurance office ■which is said to have carried on business in New Zealand without the authority _required by law, the necessary evidence having come out in a Case recently heard in Court.

During the hearing of Mr J. C. Crawford’s claim in the Compensation Court last week, a number of questions turned upon the probable price which would be paid by speculators ” for the land. One fitness the price in this way at about £2500. Mis Honor Mr Justice Richmond suggested that there were a great number of speculators who had not got £2500 in their pockets. He remembered, he said, in Dunedin, the number of Melbourne speculators who came over after Gabriel’s Gully had broken out. It was astonishing what a small amount of ready cash there was amongst them. ±he old identities did not see it at all, and the •consequence was that there was a great deal of leasing at high prices, and very little selling. At a meeting of New Zealand graduates, held last evening week, it was resolved, on •the motion' of Sir Innes, seconded by Mr Watson—“ That as the Caledonian Society has undertaken the formation of University classes, the scheme considered and resolved upon by the graduates at their meeting of August JLlth be not proceeded with; and that the graduates will cordially assist the Caledonian Society in the formation and conduct of its classes.” Some discussion took place on the Bill for the reconstitution of the University, prepared by the Royal Commission in 1880, and on the arrangement of the subjects for degrees in Arts and Science, bnt a definite resolution on these subjects was left over until the next meeting, o be held next Monday.

The larrikin nuisance is rapidly becoming a crying evil in our midst. Not only do many children habitually absent themselves from the schools established for their benefit at great expense to the country, but they have recently struck out a new line of their own. For some time past the teachers of the Ghuznee-street Infant School have been annoyed by boys throwing stones into the. .schoolroom, breaking windows, &c. A great piece of road metal was deliberately thrown through one of the windows, and struck a small child on the face. It will perhap3 be news to these mis-chief-makers to know that the names of some of them are known, and that the Te Aro School Committee have taken steps to bring the matter under the attention of the police. A severe warning would do them good. K The fortnightly meeting of the Pacific Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held at St George’s Hall last evening week, there being a good attendance. A.D. Brother H. J. Williams presided. A letter was received from the Grand Secretary, Brother J. J. Brenan, who is now on amofficial tour through the Colony, giving notice that he would reach Wellington oil Sunday next. Two new members were initiated. .It was resolved to pay an official visit to a special meeting of Excelsior Lodge on Monday next to extend fraternal greetings to the Grand Secretary, and also to hold a special meeting of the lodge on Thursday next to receive the same gentleman officially, should he be present m Wellington on that night. The Secretary, Brother W. K. Bishop, announced that the next regular meeting of the Lodge would be the quarter night for the nomination of officers for the ensuing term, of which due notice will be given.

In taking his leave of the Harbor Board yesterday week, the Mayor said he should like to say, on the occasion of the last meeting of the Board he should attend, that although he might have differed with the members on public questions, as gentlemen on public bodies ought to differ, he recognised that they had treated him in the most courteous way, and there had always been a feeling of cordial fellowship between them. It was his opinion that every member of the Board was doing bis best to carry out what he thought was best for. the interests of the city. He desired to say this much, and to express a hope that the Board s relations with his successor would be as pleasant for both sides as they had been for him.. Mr Booth, who presided at the meeting, said he was sure he might, on behalf of the Board, reciprocate his sentiments. He expressed the pleasure the Board had had in working with Mr Brown, and hoped that at some future time they should work with him again. Mr Duthie ended the speechmaking by good-humoredly expressing regret that he had sparred with his Worship for the last time.

A meeting of creditors in the state of W. H. Dobson, storekeeper, Tory-street, who has just returned from Kimberley, was held yesterday week in the Official Assignee’s office. There were four creditors present, and Mr C. C. Graham, Official Assignee, presided. Mr Devine, on behalf of the bankrupt, stated that Dobson had gone to Cambridge Gulf for the purpose of trying his luck on the Kimberley goldfields, but as the rush proved a duffer he lost no time in returning to New Zealand. The debtor only made up bis mind to go to Cambridge on the eve of the departure of the vessel, and consequently he had very little time to acquaint his creditors of his intention. During crossexamination, the debtor stated that he took with him about £3O in each and £3 worth of groceries from his shop. He shipped under an assumed name, as he feared the Foresters, for whose hall_ he was custodian, might detain him. He stated that he had no intention of absconding. He received £6 a mouth as custodian of the hall, which sum he gave to his wife, who spent it in keeping the house, etc. The debtor was subjected to a lengthy and severe cross-examination. Several of the creditors were not at all satisfied with his explanations, and one of them suggested that he had been guilty of fraud, and deserved to be punished. Aftei some further discussion, the bankrupt made an offer to pay £3O within a month, with a view to liquidate bis debts on the basis of 10s in the pound. The offer was accepted on the understanding that, should he fail to. find security to carry out his offer, a solicitor should be engaged to oppose his discharge to the utmost. This concluded the meeting.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have been advised of the departure of the barque Ellen Dolan, from Mackay, Queensland, for this port, on the 25th November, with a full cargo of sugar. Two lunatics, one a Maori from Foxton, and the other a European from Wanganui, were brought to Wellington last Friday. They were in charge of Constable Brown, of Wanganui.

We learn with much pleasure from a later telegram touching the Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll disaster that the Mrs Wilson who perished on that occasion was not, as first reported, the daughter of Madame Carandini.

Mr W. Smith,. fishmonger, Wi’lis-street, had on view at his shop last Friday a fish resembling an English mackerel, caught early in the morning in one of Mr Smith’s nets at the Heads. In the same “haul” were also taken a lemon sole and a brill.

The choir of St. Mary’s Cathedral intend holding their first annual picnic at Lowry Bay on Now Year's Day. The picnic has been arranged at the invitation of the Rev. Father McNamara. Messrs P. Putnam, J. Driscoll, and F.T. O’Neil have been appointed a committee to arrange details, and no doubt a very enjoyable outing will be spent.

Constable P. L. Harnett, at present in charge of the Lower Hutfc district, has been promoted from a second-class to a first-class constable. Constable Harnett has while in charge of the Hutfc district performed his duties in a manner which has commanded the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His promotion is richly deserved, and will be heard of with pleasure by his many friends.

The dilapidated state into which the Thorndon Baths have fallen since last year has been a subject of comment by several people lately. There are large holes in the boarding below the water line, through which a young shark could easily get. The platform running round the baths wants looking to in several places, and indeed the whole baths would be none the worse for general repairs; It is to be hoped the matter will be looked into at once. Between the hours of 5 and 8 o’clock last evening week ths offices of Mr W. H. Quick, solicitor, Featherston-street, were entered by some person or persons whose identity has not yet been discovered. A cash-box, the contents of which were only some papers of no value to anyone except the owner, was abstracted, but the thief, on finding that it contained nothing of value to him, threw it away on the reclaimed land. It is thought that the larrikins who have been committing depredations in other quarters lately are the thieves in this instance also.

No fewer than 27 locomotives now belong to the Wellington and Masterton Railway, of which as many as 17 are daily in steam. These include ten of the “single-boiler Fairlies,” of which seven are of the larger (or “S”) class, being the entire number imported to the Colony. All the double Fairlies are now on the Wanganui line, where they have always been favorites. One was sent thither from Wellington some years ago, and several lately from Dunedin. All this tends toward the concentration of classes at particular stations, and is in the direction of impraved economy and efficiency in working. Mr Alfred Curtis, confectioner, bankrupt, has filed a statement of his estate, which is as follows Assets, ±613, property in Maystreet and surplus properties in hands of secured creditors. Liabilities, £IO3B 5s 7d ; secured creditors—Equitable Building Company, £630 (estimated value of security, £1100) ;J. E. Nathan and Co., £65 ; United Importers’ Company,. £22 ; total, £717 ; unsecured creditors —J. J. Curtis, £SO; Evening Post, £l2 15s; Evening Press, £4; J. C Bishop, £5 ; Schukraft (Melbourne), £lO Is 6d; A. A. Barnett, £25 ; J. H. Heaton, £22; Levin and Co., £8; H. Griffiths (Svdney), £SO ; Warnock, Kelly and Adkin, £4 Is ; A. Rickman, £8 ; Garrett and Co., £5 2s 6d; Casey and McDonald, £ls ; Adams and Woolcock, £6; Webb, £2 10s; H. Tippler, £l7 ; W. Clark, £lO ; McEwen and Churchill, £5 ; Wilson and Richardson, £l2 6s 7d ; R. Martin, £9 3s ; A. Lindsav, £3 9s; J. L. Kimbell, £3 10s; W. R. Williams, £4 ss; South Pacific Loan Co., £25 16s; City Corporation, £3 6s; total, £321 5s 7d.

The Lyttelton Times states that last Monday a number of the friends of Mr D. Sladden, who has been appointed Secretary to the Wellington Meat Export Company, met at the Harewood Hotel, to wish him farewell on bis departure from Canterbury to Wellington. The chair was occupied by Mr W. F. Pearson, M.H.R., who expressed, on behalf oE Mr Sladden’s numerous friends, their great regret that he was about to take his departure from their midst. The leading position that he had taken in the district as a Magistrate,. Chairman of the local Road Board, one of the largest employers of labor, and, lastly, as a good neighbor and citizen for the last fiften years, had endeared him to those he was now about to leave, and on their behalf he was deputed to present their guest with the following testimonial:—“To Dilnot Sladden, Esq., J.P., Oxford, New Zealand. Dear Sir,—We, the undersigned, on behalf of your numerous friends and residents of Oxford, desire, prior to your departure from our midst, to convey to yon our sense of the esteem in which you are held, and to record our sincere regret that you are about, through circumstances, to sever your connection with us. During the very many years you have passed amongst ns you have, by your uniform courtesy and kindness, endeared yourself to all those with whom you have come into contact, not only in your private life, but also in. your official position as a magistrate and chairman of the Road Board. We therefore, as a mark of our goodwill, ask your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns, and we sincerely trust that you may meet with every prosperity and happiness in your new home; and when you look upon this testimonial we hope it will always tend to remind you of your many Oxford friends.” The address was signed by Mr Pearson, M.H.R., and all the leading residents in the district. Mr Sladden returned suitable acknowledgement.

Among the passengers by the Waihora, which arrived here from Melbourne via Southern ports last Friday, was Mr C. T. Benzoni.

Mr James Mills, Managing Director of the Union Steamship Company., was a passenger bv the Mariposa, which arrived at Auckland on Monday, from San Francisco. Mr Mills left Onehiinga by the Penguin the same day for the South. A circumstance worthy of note in connection with the Volunteer review on Saturday wa3 that the charger ridden by Captain Loveday was the historical white horse on which Mr Bryce rode into Parihaka at the time when Te Whiti and Tohu were taken prisoners.

A little boy named Anderson, about three years old, whose parents reside in Victoriaplace, was found wandering about the streets on Sunday about dinner time. He was taken to the Police Station, where he remained till 9 o’clock at night, when his parents came for him.

A man named James Brown, alias Jack Clark, was arrested on Sunday on a charge of stealing a £5 note and 16s or 17s from the person of Edward Hynes, a laborer residing at Fort Gordon. Brown was charged with the offence at the Resident Magistrate’s Court next morning. As there have been many inquiries about the French chocolate sold at tho late Cookery Exhibition in Wellington, we are requested to state that it was manufactured in Dunedin by Messrs Hudson and Co, who generously sent a large quantity as a contribution, to the society for whose benefit the entertainment was held.

Mr J. F. Floyd occupied the platform at the Christians’ Chapel, Dixon-street, on Sunday evening, and preached a sermon upon “Holiness.” The subject was viewed from a Scriptural point of view, and it was shown what holiness consisted in, how it was to be acquired, and how, when acquired, it was to influence the actions of those possessing it. A little boy, name unknown, fell off the breastwork into the sea in front oE the Post and Telegraph Office on Sunday afternoon. Mr Mitchell, cab proprietor, who was passing at the time saw the little fellow’s danger, and immediately jumped in and rescued him. Beyond a wetting the boy was uninjured, but had it not been for the prompt action of Mr Mitchell, the results would probably have been far more serious.

Toward the end of last month, Messrs Baker Bros., on behalf of the owner, Sir George Grey, offered for sale to the Government, “Kawau,” the property so well known as Sir George Grey’s island home. The offer was duly considered, but the agents have just received word from the Colonial Secretary that, while obliged for the offer, the Government have no funds at their disposal for such a purpose. The Committee of the Te Aro School have decided that the Willis-street school shall break up for the Christmas vacation on Friday, the 17th (to-day.) On that date, at 2 o’clock, Mr J. R. Blair has consented to give out the various prizes in St. John’s Schoolroom, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee. The systeni 1 introduced last year of giving silver medals to the best boy and the best ~girl of the school will be continued this year. The now very. extensive berthing accommodation at the Queen’s Wharf was taxed to the utmost on Sunday, every available berth being occupied. The fleet of vessels were well worthy of special notice, there being the magnificent ocean-going steamers Tongariro and Aorangi; and of the Union Company’s splendid boats the Wairarapa, Rotorua, Tekapo, and Southern Cross. Altogether the vessels at the wharf numbered about twenty-five, a somewhat unusual number to be in port together. It has been decided to take off the new carriages built at Addington on the American (often incorrectly termed “Pulman”) pattern, from the through trains on the Wellington and Masterton Railway. It is found by experience that these are not so suitable for that service as the double-bogie carriages built at Petone, the latter being both stronger and also exposing less sidesurface to the violent winds which blow across the incline. The Addington carriages have raised clerestory roofs, and so catch the wind much more. The Petone carriages also round the sharp corners more easily and with less strain. The Addington carriages will, therefore, be used only on the suburban traffic between Wellington and Hutt. At a late hour last night week the people in the neighborhood of Manners and Cubastreets were startled by hearing cries of “ Help ” proceeding from somewhere in the direction of the reclamation at the back of the Te Aro Opera House. The night watchman on the wharf, who also heard the cry, at once ran to give assistance, but before he got there a woman who had tried to drown herself was got out of the water. It appears that the woman and her husband, who live in Herbert-street, had been drinking, had quarrelled, and he had beaten her, with the result that she had declared that ' she would run away and drown herself. She immediately put this resolution into effect by jumping off the reclaimed land at the end of Cuba-street. The cold water, however, sobered her, and she called out lustily for help. Fortunately for her assistance was at hand, and she got off with nothing worse than a cold bath.

The following applications for patents have been received : —G. Morgan and C. Saxby, of Dunedin, for a machine for mixing asphalt, mortar, or such materials; T. Dobbie, of Dunedin, for invention for washing clothes ; Agnes P. Handley, of Dunedin, for improved nightlamp and food-warmer ;T. MeMath, of Invercargill, for invention for measuring distances ; J. B. Evans, of Cape of Good Hooe, for improvements in wire fences; J. Welman, of Poole, Dorsetshire, lor invention for hydraulic dredging, and for invention for pulverising stone, ores, &c. ; B. W. Betts and J. J. Howard, of Auckland, for invention for producing colors by revolution of forms; C. Rhodes, of Auckland, for a universal gas-meter check-dial; J. Ford, of Ealing, Canterbury, for invention for curing scour and lung-worm in sheep ; R. W. Page, of London, for improvements in machines for testing muscular strength.

Probate of the will of the late Ihaia Poratu was granted by his Honor Mr Justice Richmond on Monday morning to Mrs Porutu and Mr Monaghan, of Karori.

The last practice of the ' “Messiah” choruses before the final rehearsal for the Christmas festival, was held Monday night at St. John’s Schoolroom. Nearly all the choruses which are to be taken at the 'performance were gone through more than once with excellent results, and the singers underwent a most efficient drilling at the hands of the conductor, Mr Robert Parker. The bold and telling interpretation of “ His yoke is easy ” was specially commendable. The final rehearsal will be held in St. John’s Church on Wednesday week, the 22nd instant, at 7.30 p.m., the performance taking place on the following evening. Farther particulars will be advertised.

A man named Robert Sinclair, foreman at Mr Saunders’ Te Aro Reclamation works, reported to the police that while his wife with her infant, nine months’ old, was going down , Polhill Gully on Monday afternoon, a horseman came galloping along the road, and before Bhe had time to get out of the way he had knocked the perambulator over. The child was thrown out and received several bruises, beside a severe shaking. Instead of atoning in any way for hi 3 negligence, the horseman became very impudent and used abusive and threatening language to a man who was working close by, and who having seen the accident picked the child up. Several school-children who were pa ssing at the time had a narrow escape of being run over. The rider’s name is known, and it is more than likely that proceedings will be taken against him.

A sitting of the Compensation Court was held on Monday morning, at which judgment was given in the claim of Mr J. C. Crawford against the Government for compensation for land taken at Watts’ Peninsula for defence purposes. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond said the Court awarded to the claimant the sum of £6OOO, inclusive of interest from the date of taking possession, each party to pay its own costs ; the assessors fees to be five guineas a day each for three days ; the Crown to undertake to construct and maintain an efficient fence along the boundary line. Mr Bell (for the Crown), suggested that an exception should be made of any damage done by the claimant. His Honor thought counsel might agree upon that, and Mr Brandon (for the claimant) said there would be no difficulty in doing so.

It is almost certain that the most detestable style of poaching—that by of dynamite or some other explosive—is being carried on in the Hutt River. Last Friday some gentlemen, who were fishing in the upper waters of the Hutt, came on a number of dead trout, some of large size up to 91b or 101 bin weight. They were not marked in any way, and cannot have been taken from the stream by shags. The use of an explosive in the water,is worse than other Borts of poaching, because it destroys all the fish in the pool, from the youngest fry upward. An ordinary poacher, who kills only what he takes away, is respectable compared to a man who uses such a wholesale means of destruction. It is well that it should be known that the penalty for exploding dynamite in a trout stream is a fine of £SO, and any offender who may be caaght will be certain to be dealt with severely.

A special meeting of the committee of the shareholders in the New Zealand Shipping Company was held on Monday, Mr J. R. Blair in the chair. The object was to receive the reply of the Directors to the letter despatched by the committee, urging the claim of the North Island shareholders to full representation on the Board, and pressing for the creation of local bodies of management, as provided for in the articles of association. The Chairmau of Directors (Mr Murray. Aynsley) in bis reply, stated that the limitation of the number of Directors was specially approved by a general meeting of shareholders held in May, 1886, and was confirmed at the last annnal meeting on the 12fch August, which the Directors could not alter without the approval of the shareholders. Secondly, with respect to forming local Boards of Directors, Mr Murray.Aynsley contended that the articles of association as now in force only contemplate forming local Boards out of New Zealand, and that therefore the Directors could not properly constitute a Board in Wellington, as suggested. He added that the office of Managing Director had been abolished, and that other alterations were in progress; while Mr Harper, M.H.R., one of the Directors, was in England endeavoring to make such arrangements for conducting the business of the Company as would put it in a much better position than hitherto, and steps were beinw taken to secure greater economy in working. In conclusion, M MurrayAynsley urged that it would be inadvisable to alter the existing arrangements until advice should be {received from Loudon, as the action of the Directors must necessarily depend upon the changes being made, when they purposed to give the "shareholders due information as well as to enable them to reconsider the number of Directors they wished to see on the Board; and the Directors expressed a hope that the Wellington shareholders would agree with them in thinking it better to wait until. Mr Harper’s report should be received. A lengthened discussion took place on this communication, which was generally characterised as unsatisfactory and inaccurate in its terms, but ultimately the honorary secretary (Mr W. J. Spreat) was instructed to inform the Directors that while the Northern shareholders were willing to wait a reasonable time for the development of Mr Harper’s mission to London, they were not disposed to defer action for au indefinite period, as they hold strongly the necessity of early and proper representation of Northern shareholders on the Board of Directors. A list of Wellington shareholders qualified and willing to accept the position of Directors was then prepared and arrangements made for securing the necessary number of votes. A communication was received from Blenheim shareholders offering cordial co-operation with the action of the Wellington shareholders. It was resolved to continue per. sistent and energetic action in the direction of securing adequate representation on the Board. The meeting then adjourned.

The tender of Mr j. Me Alpine haa_ been accepted by the Harbor Board for painting the sheds G. and E. on the Queen’s Wharf.

The police received information from Porirua on Monday night by telephone that a Maori woman, name unascertained, had been drowned there during the day. &*A meeting of the Te Aro Tennis Club was held at the Club’s grounds in Abel Smithstreet on Tuesday afternoon. The business was to consider the rules, a draft copy having been sent to each member, and the election of a president and vice-president. Mr Zohrab presided, and put the rules seriatim, and they were carried with some modifications. The president and vice-presidents were elected subject to their acceptance of the positions. It was decided to open the courts formally next Saturday, at 3 p.m. The advanced state in which the courts were was a subject of agreeable surprise aud comment amongst the members present. Great credit is dne to the Committee for their exertions in the matter.

An ordinary meeting of the Benevolent Trustees was held on Tuesday. Present— Messrs Wardell (in the ohair), Wilson, Powles, Danks, Brown, and McKenzie, and the Rev Mr Staveren. The Relieving Officer, Mr Johnson, reported that a man who had drawn £3 from the Trustees some time back, not having repaid it, application had been made to two men who guaranteed payment, One of whom had paid his share—30s. Mr Johnson also reported -that two married men declared themselves off the books, having obtained employment, one at £1 and the other at 15s per week; Relief was granted to a woman with two children, whose husband had deserted her ; and to another with two children whose husband had gone to Kimberley. Assistance to the extent of 10s per week was given to a family for the maintenance of four children. Mr A. W. Brown moved that the meetings of the Trustees take place fortnightly after the new year. This was agreed to, and some other business having been transacted the meeting terminated.

A meeting of the sub-committee appointed to arrange details in connection with Hospital Saturday on the ISth inst., was held on Tuesday. There were present—Messrs T. McKenzie (in the chair), F. H. Fraser, A. Wilson, J. Young, Petherick, Coombe, and W. G. Tustin. Mr Fraser was appointed to collect the subscription cards recently distributed. A letter was received- from Mr Tattle, on behalf f employes at the Government Printing Office, asking whether, in the event of their subscribing a sum toward the funds they would be entitled to any benefit. It was decided that the Secretary should reply that the funds to be collected were not solely for the benefit of the Hospital, but for charitable aid purposes generally. Arrangements with reference to advertising, &c., were made, and it was decided to ask Herr Mosch to organise an entertainment for Saturday evening in aid of the funds, and to ask the bandmasters of the Garrison, Gray’s, and Hibernian Band to give tbe services of their bands. A sacred concert was, suggested, but it was thought advisable to leave that matter in the hands of the General Committee. Mr Fraser was instructed to endeavor to get the Hospital nurses to join other ladies in making street collections.

The following is the report of the Public Works Committee that was to be submitted at the meeting of the Council last night : 1. That tho drainage asked for in Nairnstreet by Mr A. A. Bowley be not done. 2. That two crossings be laid at the junction of Featherston and Waring Taylor-streets, instead of one as already authorised. 3. That Mr J. Boyd be allowed half the cost of cutting down the footpath at his premises, Adelaide-road. 4. That a similar arrangement be made with Mr J. D. Tustin, Ade-laide-road. 5. That the proposal of the Harbor Board for a conference between a Committee of the Board and a Committee of the Council on the subject of the proposed amendments of the Council to the agreement re the Te Aro foreshore face-line and other matters be referred to the Harbor Board Committee, with power to arrange for a conference. 6. That the temporary appointment of Mr'Charles Ralph Dodds as poundkeeper be cancelled, and that Mr James Dodds be reinstated ; also, that the dates for pound sales be the 10th, 21st, and last days of each month, instead of the 7th and 20th, as at present. 7. That Mr James Loekie be appointed assessor for the Corporation in the compensation case, Wbod v. the Corporation. 8. That the Cricketers’ Association be allowed to use the Basin Reserve for the Christchurch match on 27th December and two fpllowing days on the usual conditions. 9. That accounts amounting to £213 9s 4d be passed for payment. An ordinary meeting of the Hutt County Council was held on Tuesday.. Present : Councillors Taylor (chairman), Perkins, Chew, Monaghan, Brown, Speedy, Wakeham, and Jones. The report of the Committee on the damage done at Silverstream, was submitted. The Inspector also reported that an expenditure of £l3O on the protective works would be necessary. Councillor Monaghan expressed an opinion that the expenditure was illegal. Councillor Brown moved that the report be adopted, and that the Council make the repairs therein recommended. Councillor Chew seconded. Councillor Monaghan moved that the report be referred to the Public Works Committee. He complained that the object of the works was to protect private property. This not being seconded, lapsed, and the motion of Councillor Brown was carried, only Councillor Monaghan voting against it. A letter was received from the clerk of the JohnsonvilleTowm Board, calling attention to the obstruction, caused by tbe state of a bridge on the Countyroad opposite the. Post Office. It was decided that the Inspector of Roads should., report on the matter at the next meeting. The Chairman said it would be necessaryunder clause 105 of the Counties Act, to- , appoint a committee to arrange about tbettravelling expenses of Councillors. It wasdecided that each Councillor residing a radius of 20 miles should receive £1 Is i&jet each meeting, and Councillors living than 20 miles away £L 10s. Counteittar* Monaghan gave notice that he would at next meeting—“ That £l5O be vocet££<M the Karori Riding, £75 to the Kareii Makara Road Board, and £75 to the Sd-J birnie Road Board.” Accounts sun to £212 were passed for payment.

The Te Anau, with an English (Brindisi) -snail, arrived at Auckland at 4.40 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Hospital authorities acknowledge -with thanks the receipt of a cheque for £lO from the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse in aid of the festivities for the patients at Christmas.

The steamer Penguin, with the inward San Francisco mail, arrived here at about 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday. She sailed for South, taking with her the Southern portion of the mail, three and a half hours later.

An unfortunate young woman named Busina Moessner was committed to the Xiunatic Asylum on Tuesday by Mr Wardell, Drs Kemp and Pemberton having certified to •the woman’s insanity.

The Hon. E. Richardson, Minister for Public Works, accompanied by Mrs Richard. eon, and Mr D. Godden (private secretary), left by Monday morning’s train for Napier. Jt is expected that they will visit the West Coast of this Island and return shortly before Christmas.

The Hospital Steward acknowledges with thanks the receipt of toys and illustrated papers from Mrs Batkin, Hawkstone-street; toys from Mrs Carter, Tinakori-road, and Mrs Bullock, Eambton Quay ; periodicals from Mr J. W. Kirby, Cuba-street, and Mrs Widdop.

Mr Brenan, Grand Secretary of the Order of Druids, arrived in Wellington from the South by the Tekapo on Sunday afternoon, and was received by a large number of members of the Order and cordially welcorned. He was afterward shown various places of interest in this town. The British Australasian is bringing out a series of very useful and well-got-up supplements illustrative and descriptive of the various Colonial Courts m the recent Exhibition at South Kensington. The illustrations in photographic prints are particularly good. Mr Walter Johnston is a passenger by the P and O. steamer Clyde, which left London on the sth nit. Mr and Mrs Stndholme, Misses Studholme (2) and Mr Stndholme jun., have booked passages in the P. and O. as Carthage, which sails from London on the 31st inst. Among the passengers by the lonic, which is due here next week are Mrs and Miss Reader and Mr W. H. Levin. The Hon Mr Tole has received a letter from Mr Howard Vincent, M.P., who congratulates Mr Tole, and welcomes the news that New Zealand has led the way in the matter of the probation of first offenders. He expresses the hope that the present Imperial Government will take the measure up, and that ere long it will be law in the Old Country. He says that he awaits with eagerness the statistics, &c., which Mr Tole has promised to send him after a while as to the results of the working of the Act. At the Hutt County Council meeting on Tuesday Councillor Speedy moved a vote of thanks to the retiring chairman of the Council, Councillor Perkins. This vote, he said, had been overlooked at the annual meeting. Councillor Perkins deserved the thanks of the Council for the able manner In which he had carried out his duties. Councillor Monaghan seconded the motion, ■which was carried unanimously. Councillor Perkins, returning thanks, expressed a hope that the members of the Council would treat his successor as cordially as they had treated him.

The structure which has attained some little celebrity as "The Glenbervie-terrace fence,” was mentioned at the meeting of the Benevolent Trustees on Tuesday. The Relieving Officer, reporting on a case, remarked that the subject of his report was earning •eight shillings a day. Inquiries were made as to where the man was working. " Well, ’ replied Mr Johnson, ambiguously, “He’s working at the fence.” "Oh, the New Zealand Time 3 fence mania,” said Mr A. W. Brown; and he went on to express surprise that no members of the City Council had refuted the statements of the Times in reference to the fence.

The liabilities in the estate of Sidney Soffe, cabinetmaker, of Manners-street, are •set down at £483 12s Id ; assets at £285 13s £d ; the principal items being stock-in-trade, £127 14s; book debts, estimated to produce £132 12s 2d (actual amount, £368 12s); and shares in Te Aro Opera House, £25. The principal liabilities are T. B. Jobson, £SO 16s • Thompson, Shannon and Co., £34 6s 10d; H. Levy, £33 4s 3d; Harris and Son,' Christchurch, £2O 17a; Matheson Bros., Dunedin, £2O 17s 9d ; Buffer and Gully, £l4 0s 5d ; Girls’ High School, £lO 12s ; Te Aro Loan Company, £18; Gallagher, £l2 10s: E. Reeves,9 £l7 ss; T. G. Macarthy, £l2 ; J- L. Kimbell, £l4 4s fid ; J. Gear, £l3 8s 8d ; R. Martin, £ll 5s 8d ; Te Aro Opera House Company, £9 15s ; Davidson, £lO 15s 7d ; J. Santeman and Co., Dunedin, £9 8s 3d ; Wellington Loan Company, £ls ; various sums of wages, £57 12s -fid ; besidp numerous smaller debts. ‘ .

An interesting return was presented at the meeting of the Benevolent Trustees on Tuesday. This was a statement of the expenditure of the Trustees for the last four months. According to the return the total expenditure in August last was £216 ; in September, £233 ; October, £250 ; and November, £263. Details of the expenditure were given as follows : —August—Rations, £59 6s ; board and lodging, £39 ss. September—Rations, £55 7s ; board and lodging, £4l Bs. October — Rations, £SB 17s ; board and lodging, £6l 14s. November —Rations, £7O ; board and . lodging, £46. For December , the expend!fure so far has been £69 in rations, and £52 in board and lodging. Mr A.. W. Brown, commenting on the return, said it showed that the expenditure had been increasing at a rapid and equal rate. Rev. Mr Van Staveren said the increase was due to the in--crease of population. He pointed out that numbers of people were coming to Wellington, and that poverty increased with the increase of population. Mr McKenzie expressed a hope that the Trustees, while observing economy in every way possible, would not allow any deserving case to pass unaided. Mr Brown remarked that the average for last year was £2lB a month, and this year it was £240. In answer to a question the Relieving Officer said that men were coming to Wellington from Sydney, China, and Liver. - jaool, and from other places.