TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 777, 21 January 1887, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Thomas Dwan, auctioneer, of Wellington, has filed a petition ©f bankruptcy.

The post office at Waikanae, formerly known as Walton’s, has been closed. A post office has been opened at Gorge, in the Wellington postal district, and Mr G. Ross appointed postmaster. Mrs M. Roche has been appointed postmistress at Paikakariki, and Mr H. T. Flyger at Terrace End.

The case Arundel v. Maxwell was coneluded at the Supreme Court yesterday week. By consent the plaintiff was nonsuited, leave being reserved to him to more for a verdict for £SO, to be reduced to 40s on the dams ! being reconstructed to the satisfaction of Mr C. Finnity, of Patea ; the Court to draw all inferences of fact from the evidence and exhibits.

The following officers of the New Zealand Militia have been posted to the Permanent Militia and Torpedo Corps, with date of commissions in the first-named force :—To Permanent Artillery—Major Forester Yelverton Goring, Major Walter Edward Gudgeon (unattached), Major William Bazire Messenger, Captain Henry Charles Morrison, Captain Colin McKenzie Taylor ; to Torpedo CorpsCaptain William Tynam Powell.

A number of excellent photographs of the City of Sydney have been presented to the Wellington City Council by the Sydney Council. The views, twenty-one in all, represent several of the principal streets of Sydney and scenes in and around the city. The Council last night decided to seed a letter to the Sydney Council thanking them for their handsome gift. The members generally expressed themselves as greatly pleased with the present.

The following applications for patents have been received : —E. W. Hollis, of Thames, for a vermin-trap ; J. Burns, of Sydenham, for invention for preventing leakageof pumps; O. M. Tracey, of Dunedin, for invention for facilitating the handling of lamp oil or spirit; H. Robinson, of Dunedin, for improved taps; H. Scott, of Christchurch, for a safety wheelguard for tram-cars ; J. Liddel, of Edgeley, Stockport, England, for improved apparatus for aerating malt and other liquors ; Adolf Herzog, of Wellington, for invention for injecting gas and air through a combinationinjector.

* A display of bunting by the vessels in harbor was made yesterday week in honor of the marriage of Mr Duder, formerly chief officer of the Rotomahana and at present chief officer of the Triumph. Mr Duder was married at St. Mark’s Church, by the Rev R. Coffey, to Miss Ada Grant, daughter of Captain Grant, Nautical Assessor, of this city. The wedding service was a choral one, Miss Grant having for a long time been prominently connected with St. Mark’s Choir. As the happy party left the church the “ Wedding March ” was played and the chimes of St. Peter’s rang out a merry peal in honor of the occasion. 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 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.

A new Lodge of Druids, to be called the Waiohine Lodge, was incorporated by the District President, Bro. Jones, at Greytown, on Tuesday night. The steamer Rotorua brought up from the South eighteen long-sentenced prisoners in the charge of two warders yesterday week. They are to assist at the erection of the new prison at Mount Cook. An application was to have been made at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday for the evidence of the plaintiff in the civil case J. E. Hayes v. J. W. Wade, plumber, of Gisborne, to be taken here, but as neither party appeared the case was struck out. During 1885 the number of " receptions ” at the Morgue in Paris was 858. Of these 659 were the bodies of men, 199 of women. The busiest month was August, when the number was 106 ; the slackest, February, when it was 41. Of the 858 bodies, 605 were identified. Owners of steamers are complaining that the Government do not keep the river near Foxton free from snags. An exchange understands that one owner has notified the Minister for Public Works that he will hold Government responsible for any damage occurring to his vessel through snags in the river, and has also called his attention to some of the existing dangers to navigation which should be removed by any body which collects the dues at the port. Councillor Petherick asked, at the meeting of the Council last night week, that his name should be removed from the minute-book record of those present at the special meeting of the Council held on the 24th December for the purpose of adopting a motion in connection with a lease ifor a Northern Land Company. Councillor Petherick, it will be remembered, objected to take part in the proceedings, and left the meeting. Councillor Edwards, last night, reminded other Councillors of the circumstance by remarking that it was when Councillor Petherick wished to spoil the quorum. On the matter being referred to Mr Martin, it was decided that Councillor Petherick’s name would have to remain on the book, as he was present when the proceedings opened. The microphone is now being used in Ger many for the purpose of detecting loss of water through leakage in town mains. The apparatus consists of a steel rod, which is placed upon the cook, in the neighborhood of which the leak is suspected, and a microphone attached to the upper end of the rod. A dry battery and a telephone complete the equipment. No sound is heard in the telephone if the cocks are closed and no leak occurs ; but a leak of even a few drops through a badly fitting cock causes sufficient vibration in the pipe to affect the microphone, and to give audible sounds in the telephone. At the recent meeting of gas and water engineers in Eisenach, it was stated that the apparatus is so simple to handle that, with a little practice, ordinary workmen are able to detect and localise any leak.

The first annual meeting of the Hospital Trustees was held last night week. Mr F. H. Fraser was in the chair, and nearly all the Trustees were present. The business of the meeting was the election of a Trustee, vice Dr. Newman, and to receive the annual report and balance-sheet. Dr Newman, who was the only condidate for election, was proposed by Mr Gaby, seconded by Mr Fraser, and elected unanimously. A motion was carried that a report be printed each year of all the cases dealt with during tho year and of the receipts and expenditure, and distributed to the subscribers. Votes of thanks to the chairman, trustee® and the surgeon and staff, were carried by acclamation. The report and balance-sheefc-were adopted. The latter showed the receipts for the past year to have amounted to £10,254 16s sd. Of this, £2551 6s lid was from rents, £IO7B 17s 3d from contributions, £3379 6s 7d from Government subsidies, and from the District Board £2178 5s 4d. The--expenditure amounted to £9642 15s 6d, leaving a balance to be brought forward of £612 0s lid. The principal items of expenditure were—Salaries, £1978 ; wines, spirits, ale, and porter, £210; surgery and dispensary, £773 ; washing, £444; groceries and bread, £BSO ; meat, £457 ; and gas, £504.

The Crawford-Dilke divorce case is, according to a cable message, to be re-opened. Something like a forecast of this was given some time ago by a correspondent of the Paris Figaro. Sir Charles and Lady Dilke being at that time in Paris were interviewed by the Figaro’s correspondent, who concluded his account of the interview thus :—“Sir Charles begged me not to give as coming from him information that Ipossess about the trial. I will conform to his desire. I will only say what I know the source certaine, and what neither the press nor English society know, namely, that in a few months the grand Crawford-Dilke case will re-open. This trial, the most scandalous of the century in England, is about to enter its third act. A number of Sir Charles’ friends, without his knowledge or initiative, made a most thorough investigation, with a result which the public will soon learn with the greatest amazement. I can affirm that these friends of Sir Charles, among whom are statesmen, lawyers, physicians, and Cabinet Ministers, are on the track of a conspiracy that will make the press of the entire world re-echo with excitement. This third trial will also abound and overflow with the most revolting details, but it will give an opportunity to one of the ablest and most accomplished men of modem times to emerge with a high head and a bold front from the black pit of infamy into which he has been cast by a conspiracy and accusations that he hitherto has not been able to resent.” Mrs Virginia Crawford, who was one of the defendants in the Crawford-Dilk® case, proposes to make her debut in comedy shortly at a West End theatre.

Elorilinb !—For the teeth and bruath- —A few drops of the liquid “ Floriline ” sprinkled on a wet tooth-brush produces a pleasant lather, which thoroughly cleanses the teeth from all parasites or impurities, hardens the gums, prevents tartar, stops decay, gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly whiteness, and a delightful fragrance to the breath. It removes a]l unpleasant odour arising from decayed teeth or tobacco smoke. “The Fragrant Flcriline,” being composed in part of honey and sweet horbs, is delicious to the taste, and the greatest toilet discovery o. the ago. Price 2s 6d, of all Chemists and perfumersf Wholesale depot, 33 Farringdon Road, London England.—4»'t. WOLFE’S Schnapps is a delightful beverage, as agreeable to the huat» as its properties are beneficial to the heaJt

W. J. Leslie, of Wellington, journalist* has been adjudged a bankrupt. Benjamin Cumings, of Crofton, dairyman, has been adjudged a bankrupt. The New Zealand gold export for the past quarter was valued at L 216,585, and the total export up to 31st December, 1886, at L 43,231,476. The Governor has appointed Te Rore Rangiheniea, of Himatauga, Foxton, to be an assessor under the Native Land Court Act.

Persons liable to property tax who have omitted to make the payments due on December 14, are warned that unless the amounts due are paid forthwith legal proceedings will be taken without further notice.

At the meeting of the City Council last week. Councillors Danks and McKenzie were re-elected as trustees of the Wellington Hospital, and his Worship the Mayor, Councillors Danks (re-elected), McKenzie (reelected), Edwards, ex-Councillor Wilson, and Mr D. Hall.

A meeting was held at the Girls’ Club, Manners-street, yesterday week for the purpose of electing six trustees to the Ladies’ Association. The present trustees, Mrs Stock, Mrs Drew, Mrs Hart, Miss Greenwood, C. P. Powles, and the Rev "W. J. Habens were re-eleote i.

Commenting on a divorce case in which the petitioner (tne husband) had not brought his suit for eight years after his wife had deserted him, and had in September last tried to persuade her to return to him, his Honor Mr Justice Richmond said last Friday that such a desertion would probably have been too much for Southern blood, but no doubt allowance must be made for the “ cool North ” (the petitioner being a Dane). Probably, added his Honor, the proximity of countries to icebergs had something to do with it.

Robert James Wilson, arrested by Detective Campbell on the previous day for complicity in the Christchurch abortion cases, was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court last Friday with having in July last, at Christchurch, used an instrument with the intejpt of procuring the miscarriage qf one Annie Connolly. The accused pleaded not guilty. Inspector Shearman stated that the accused had been arrested on warrant from Christchurch, and he would ask for a remand to that place. The accused was accordingly remanded to Christchurch to appear there the next morning. Wilson, in charge of Constable Thoreau, was taken to Christchurch in the afternoon by the steamer •Hawea.

The report for presentation at the next annual meeting of the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Company, to be held •on the Ist February, is as follows :—The Directors, in submitting the annual statement of accounts, report that the Company’s business continues of a satisfactory character, and shows an increase on previous years. An -interim dividend of 4 per cent, was paid in •July. A sum of £SOO has been added to the -reserve (which now stands at £3500). The Directors now recommend a payment of dividend of 5 per cent., after which there will remain a balance of £467 16s 3d to be carried forward. Messrs E. Pearce, G. Allen, and C. Tringham retire from the Board in rotation. Being eligible, they offer themselves for re-election.

Dr Johnston, District Coroner, held an inquest last week on the body of Margaretta Vandelinde, who was found dead in her bed oa Tuesday morning. Dr Hutchinson, who had made a post mortem examination of the body, deposed that he believed the woman had died of .syncope or cessation of the heart’s action. The condition of the heart was such that the woman might have been expected to die suddenly. Mr Skey, Public Analyst, had examined the stomach, and found no indications of poison. The evidence of Mrs Sarah Mudge, of Majori-banks-street, with whom deceased had lived, and of Mr Wall, of the Wairarapa, to whose children she had been, governess, went to show that Mrs Vandelinde arrived from England in September last, and had said she was a widow, having two little boys, who had been left with a guardian named Cooper. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

The annual statutory meeting of the Wellington Harbor Board was held at noou on Monday. Present—Messrs Pearce (Chairman), Duthie, and Petherick, Captain Rose, and the Mayor. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called in accordance with the Act for the purpose of passing the accounts ; but as they had not been audited they could not be passed just then. The Board had received information that the accounts would be audited by Mr C. O’Hara Smith. The Chairman said there was one Other question he wished to bring before the notice of the Board, and that was the amount which had been pat down as the value of the Hunter-street endowment. When the land was brought under the Land Transfer Act it was valued at £20,000, and he did not consider that was too high an estimate. On his motion, seconded by Mr Petherick, it was decided to put down the valuation in the annual accounts as £20,000. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

Considerable time was occupied in the Supreme Court on Monday morning in empanelling the special jury to hear the alleged charge of forgery and uttering against Charles Cheymol. Forty-two gentlemen had been summoned, and challenges were numerous, both by the Crown Prosecutor, and the prisoner’s counsel. Mr Bell explained that his reason for challenging'some of the jurors was because they were on the grand jury. Mr Ferguson, secretary and engineer of the Harbor Board, when called, asked his Honor to excuso him from the panel, and was about to give his reason when Mr Bell challenged him. The following gentlemen were challenged by the prisoner’s counsel:—Messrs N. Reid, P. J. Harvey, C. E. Willeston, T. W. McKenzie, W. Bendall, J. E. Page, A. E. Rowden, A. G. Johnson, W. Cock, J. Bishop, W. H. Levin, and H. Kember. The challenges on the part of the Crown were those of Messrs H. MeColl, W. D. Edmeades, W. Ferguson, W. McLean, E. H. Beere, R. F. Mellow, S. Mackay, H. Moss, J, J. Curtis, F. N. Campbell, W, G. Crawford, and T. Dwan.

The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company’s steamer Tainui sailed from Plymouth for Auckland (her first port of call iu New Zealand) on the Ist January. Mr War dell on Safcurd y afternoon visited Thomas Orr, a supposed lunatic patient, at the Hospital, and on certificates by Drs Tripe and Pemberton committed him to the Asylum. An alarm of fire was given at about 1.30 n.m. Saturday morning. The Brigade turned out at once, and found that a small detached building was burning in Queen-street. The fire was put out, and little damage was done.

An industrial exhibition, under the auspices of the Wellington Church Sunday School Association, will be held in St. Peter’s Churchroom on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 27th, 2Sth, and 29th inst. The Otago Daily Times states that Lady Jervois reached Dunedin in a very bad state of health. She had to be carried on a litter from the Hinemoa to Bishop’s Court, aud the services of a doctor were at once called iu. The next quarter of the School of Design will begin on Monday, the 24th instant, in connection with the sohool there will be technical evening classes under the instruction of Mr W. Leslie Morison, late of the Royal Scottish Academy, and Mr A. Herzog, late of the Basil School of Design.

The Hospital Steward acknowledges with thanks the receipt of New Year cards, from Mr Lankshear, Lambton-quay; old linen, from Mrs Mackay, the College, Mrs Massey, Adelaide-road ; a parcel left with Mr FitzGerald, Manners-street, and a parcel left at Mr Fraser’s, Manners-street, from Mrs Parsons.

At the,, civil sittings of the Supreme Court last Friday, before his Honor Mr Justice Richmond, the case Hasell v Walker was heard. The plaintiff, Mr Arthur Hasell, auctioneer, claimed £177 as commission on the purchase of a property in Wellington for the defendant, who is a milliner. Mr Travers appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Gully for the defendant. The hearing of the case occupied a considerable time, and judgment was eventually given for the defendant, with - An incipient fire was discovered and promptly smothered at the photographic establishment of Mr F. Hill, in Cuba-street. It appears that about 4 o’clock last Friday a fire broke out—how, it is not exactly known—in the developing-room at the rear of the shop. Mr Hill, going to the room, found it full of flames and smoke. Mr George Percy, who happened to be in the neighborhood, however, obtained an axe from the next yard, cut a hole in the wall of the room, and inserted therein the nozzle of a hose. The water was turned on, and the Are was thus smartly subdued with no greater damage than to the value of £2O or £3O. Superintendent Page, of the Fire Brigade, was at the shop very soon after the fire was first discovered, but found that the promptitude of the amateur fireman had made his assistance nnnecessary.

f all the publishing ventures ever undertaken on this side of the Equator, by an immense way the greatest is the Picturesque Atlas of Australasia, of which six numbers have already appeared. It is being issued by fa joint-stock company specially formed for the purpose, and the whole work is to consist of forty-two numbers. To say that the work, so far as it has gone, is good is to say too little. No trouble and no expense have been spared in its production, and the result is most admirable. The best artists from Harper’s staff and best possible wood engravers have been engaged ; machinery of the newest and most complete description has been procured, and the paper, ink, and type are of the fiiatesfc quality. The result of all this care is apparent on every page of the Atlas. The artistic work throughout is admirable. and hardly any praise is too great for the illustrations by Mr Schell, the head of the artistic staff. Others of the artists, in different styles, approach him {[closely in merit. In the first number there is a very fine steel engraving of a well-known portrait of Captain Cook. As the work is an atlas, it will of course contain a series of map 3 of the different parts |of Australasia, aud those already published show great beauty of workmanship and accuracy. The letterpress is to consist of a series of sketches of the various colonies, and is under the editorship of Mr Andrew Garran, M.A., L.L.D.

In the course of his summing up in the Cheymol case on Monday, his Honor Mr Justice Richmond alluded to the insinuations that had been made during the hearing of the case that other people beside the accused were concerned in the falsification of the warrants which formed the subject of the charge. His Honor said Mr Brown, the bank manager, had been alluded to in this way. He could not understand how, seeing that these frauds were bound to be discovered the instant the warrants were presented, a bank manager would be able to put himself better with his employers by incurring this charge of felony, or how he could possibly benefit Jjy it. That was the first consideration, but the facts in regard to these returned warrants made it clear as sunlight that Mr Brown could' not have been concerned in this matter. His Honor went on to say that in no way did the evidence warrant the suggestions made by the prisoner’s counsel, and he could not hear those insinuations without indignation. He was very sorry that it was the opinion of some gentlemen practising at the Bar that they were justified in resorting to any device for the purpose of procuring the acquittal of their clients. That was not by any means a true view of the duties of a barrister, and he conceived that the imputation against Mr Brown was grossly improper, as being utterly unwarranted by any particle of evidence. He had heard many such insinuations made, many of which he had allowed to pass unrebuked. They were 'in some cases perfectly fair, but not unless justified by the evidence. In this particular case there was not the slightest fragment of evidence to warrant them. He condemned the insinuations wholly and utterly, as he had no doubt the jury would do. Reverting a little later to the subject, his Honor said he was aware that the practice he had referred to was observed by several eminent counsel in England, but in his opinion it was degrading to an honorable profession.

Benjamin Cummins, dairymaD, of Crofton, has filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt.

A slight shock of earthquake, preceded by a loud rumbling noise, was experienced iu this city shortly before 4 o’clock on Sunday morning.

A local paper, accounting for the apparent anomaly of typhoid fever being prevalent in apparently healthy localities in Auckland, while the “ back slums ” are free from the disease, says the denizens of the by-ways are dirt-proof. A female lunatic named Emily Pearce arrived from Napier by the Australia on Sunday afternoon, and was at once sent up to the Mount View .Asylum. She was in charge of the stewardess from Napier to Wellington. The service at St. Joseph’s Church, Buckle-street, was of a special character on Sunday morning. At 11 o’clock solemn High Mass was celebrated, the choir singing Winter’s charming little mass. An impressive and eloquent sermon was preached by the Rev Father Le Menant des Chesnais, the rev gentleman taking “Divine Hope” for his subject. “Popular Excuses” was the subject of Mr G. F. Floyd’s sermon at the Christians’ Chapel, Dixon-street, Sunday night. The preacher, in an interesting manner, pointed out a number of excuses which were offered by people for rejecting Christianity. All of them, he said, were of a most flimsy character, and would not entitle people to everlasting happiness, if they ever hoped to enjoy such.

In the Bankruptcy Court on Saturday Mr Jellieoe (instructed by Mr Skerrett) made an application to his Honor the Chief Justice for the issue of a rule calling upon the Official Assignee to show reason why W. R. Waters, a bankrupt, should not be released from prison, on the ground that he was unlawfully detained. His Honor granted the summons, which he made returnable for Tuesday morning. No effort is being spared to make the Catholic excursion to McNab’s Gardens, Lower Hutt, on Anniversary Day a great success. A programme of sports has been arranged, and includes running, jumping, &c. There will also be cricket, lawn tennis, rounders, bowls, and other games to amuse the excursionists. The proceedings will be enlivened by the strains of the Hibernian Band. The excursion train will leave at 9.25 a.m.

The following are the three highest readings of the thermometer for the past month up to the 15th inßt. On the sth of January 80 was registered iu the shade. On the Bth, 79’S, and on the 14th the glass showed 78. The highest reading of the solar radiation thermometer was on the Ist, when it showed 143, but on the Bth, 9th, 11th and 14th, 140 was recorded. The minimum reading in the shade was 47 on the 2nd inst. The rainfall during the month has scarcely been enough to catch, the glass being only ’045 of an inch on the night of the Ist. A few drops have fallen once or twice since, but not enough to register. Every one has heard of the American advertisement of a sewing machine for a dollar, which turned out to be a needle and thread. Mr S. Studolph, of this town, has lately been taken in somewhat similarly. He saw in an American magazine, published in Portland, Maine, an advertisement of a great bargain—three French dolls, with an elegant wardrobe of 32 pieces, for 15 cents, with an assurance from the publishers of the magazine that they and several other articles advertised were genuine and very cheap. Mr Studolph accordingly ordered the dolls and some other things, sending an order for 7s to cover cost and postage. A few days ago he got a sort of colored pictorial card of figures and costumes to be cut out, worth a few pence, and a letter telling him chat unfortunately, owing to the postal regulations, the other things could not be sent. The postage and advertised price of the card came to somewhere between 2s and 3s, but nmie of the balance of the 7s was returned, funeral of the late John Gibson, private in the Wellington Rides, took place on Sunday afternoon with military honors. There was a good muster of the deceased’s own corps, aud the other Volunteer companies of the City werealso represented. Major Shannon was in command of the party, and Lieutenant Colonel Crowe, Major Loveday, Captain Marshall and other officers of the garrison were present. In addition to the Volunteers there were also a largeffiumber of the deceased’s friends who followed his remains to their last resting place. Altogether there were between 200 and 300 Volunteers and civilians in the procession. The Garrison Band performed several appropriate selections of music during the march to the cemetery as follow : Beethoven’s “Dead March.” “Final Halt” (Round), *• Dead March in Saul,” and “ Forgive, blest Shade ” (Dr Calcott). The deceased was interred in the Presbyterian cemetery, and the customary volleys fired over the grave by his comrades. The burial service was performed by the Rev J. K. Elliott. The funeral was witnessed by a large number of spectators. A peculiar incident occurred just before call ot time in the Phoenix-Wellington Junior Cup match on Saturday. St George was apparently caught off a ball delivered by Taiaroa, and retired from the ground; but Mclntyre (the captain), who was batting at the other end, intercepted the next man coming in, and sent for St George to take his place again at the wicket. This was done, and Mclntyre then appealed to the umpire as to whether he had been caught out. The umpire gave not-out for the catch, but said he should have to give him out for leaving the ground. This was said to be a wrong decision, as the bails had not been removed (the man being considered out, no one thought of doing this.) The question then arose, could the umpire give two decisions, one not-out and the other out ? Au argument ensued, lasting for about a quarter of au hour, when it was eventually agreed by the respective captains to submit the point to the Match Committee, their verdict to be given before the match is continued. It appears the ball struck St George on the arm between wrist aud elbow after glancing off his leg, and was then caught, and he left the ground under a misapprehension as to the rule.

A meeting of creditors of Mrs Mary Andrews, which was to have been held on Monday morning, lapsed for want of a quorum.

The election for the Akiteo Road Board resulted in the election of Messrs J. W. Baker, J. G. Cox, J. S. Handyside, W. Liverton, and G. Mason. We have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of “The Local Government Guide,” by Mr Wilfred Badger. During the hearing of the charge against Cheymol, one of the jurymen, Mr F. C. Binns, was seized with a violent headache. The proceedings were suspended for a little while, and for some time it was thought that Mr Binns would be unable to continue in the panel. Mr Meek (foreman) informed his Honor that Mr Binns was subject to such attacks, and that he needed a little rest. An adjournment was accordingly made for ten minutes. On returning nothing was said as to Mr Binns’ condition, although it was apparent that he was still indisposed. The case then proceeded. The civil case Armstrong v. Minister for Public Works was to have been heard before his Honor the Chief Justice on Monday morning at 10 o’clock, but neither the parties nor tbeir respective counsel appeared. His Honor expressed displeasure at these proceedings, and pointed out that the long vacation was now approaching. While his Honor was speaking Mr Bell, counsel for the defendant, entered the chamber, and stated that he was not at fault. Ho asked that the case should not be struck out. It was decided that the case should be postponed till the next sittings of the Supreme Court. Mr Harry Saint Maur being prevented by other arrangements from visiting New Zealand this season, has leased one of his valuable properties, “Jim the Penman,” by Sir Charles Young, to Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove, for 20 weeks, for production in this Colony, the firm being under agreement to present this successful play strictly in accordance with the lines laid down by Mr Saint Maur in his recent Melbourne and Sydney productions, and the firm, with its usual enterprise, will support it with an exceptionally powerful caste, including Messrs Geo. Titherage, G. W. Anson, Alfred Maltby, and Mesdames Agnes Thomas and Annie Taylor.

The following is the result of Mr Ames’ valuation of city property for 1887-88. Lambton Ward, general, L 74,615 ; water, L 70,309. Thornton Ward, general, L 42,604; water, L 41.733. Te Aro Ward, general, LG4,B6S j water, L 60,767. Cook Ward, general, L 63.879, water, L 55.576. Total general, L 275.851 water, L 247.659. The following were the valuations for the previous year—Lambton, general, L 77.205 water, L 73.545. Xhorndon, general, L 46,771;: water, L 42,387. Te Aro, water, L 67,800-. Cook,, general, L 73.322; water, L 63,847. Total, general, L 245.966 - water, L 228,294. The increase on the valuation for general rates is L 29,885, and for water rates L 19,365.

Mr Bell, who was conducting the case for the Crown in the Cheymol trial, stated to his Honor on Monday afternoon that he intended to remove a blot of ink on one of the documents exhibited during the case. The document in question contained the figure “1,” followed by the word “cask,” and immediately in front of the figure was a large blot of ink. Mr Bell said he would try the experiment to see if there was anything underneath. Mr Jellieoe objecting, Mr Bell said that he did not attach much importance to the matter, but, however, he would like the blot removed. After some argument, his Honor asked the jury if they wished to see whether there was anything underneath the blot. The foreman replying in the affirmative, the experiment was made with the aid of some hot water and a brush. It was unsuccessful, however, the water failing to remove the stain'of ink. Mr Bell remarked that there may have been nothing more than the blot. Nothing further was said about the matter.

Dwan, auctioneer and commission agent, has filed his statement in bankruptcy. His liabilities are L 1738 0s 3d, and the only secured creditor is the Colonial Bank, who hold security valued at L3OO for a debt of L 27 15s 3d. The principal creditors, otherwise, are :—Gillett Bros., Bordeaux, Ll3l 12s 6d ; Thompson, Shannon and Co., L 291 103 9d ; Dwan Bros., L 431 7s 6d; T. B. Dwan, L 320 2s ; Northern Land, Loan, and Building Company, Lll3 16s 8d; Te Aro Opera House Company, L 43 ; Oriental Company (Christchurch), L2B 9a 8d ; Colonial Bank, L 27 35s 3d ; L. Dwan, L 24 5a ; R. Burrett’s estate, L 22 Is 6d ; Blundell Bros., LlB 7s Id ; H. Flockton, L2O 9s 6d ; City Council, Ll 7 10s ; J. and R. Sloan, Lll 11s ; Reeves and Co. (Dunedin), Ll 5 ; Wakefield and Roydhouse, LlO 13s 3d ; G. Young, LlO 2s 6d; Caswell Sound Marble Company, LlO ;R. Smith, LlO. The assets are valued at Ls22—book debts L 2195, estimated to produce L 250, and L 272 4s 9d, the Burplus ; of the security held by the bank.

meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Alfred E. Mausford, clerk, was held at the Supreme Court Buildings on Monday afternoon, before Mr C. C. Graham, the Official Assignee. The only creditors present were Messrs J. T. Follas, A. Wilson, and A. Skene. According to the statement prepared by the bankrupt, it appeared that he attributed his inability to pay his debts through being out of employment for nine mouths. In answer to Mr Wilson, the bankrupt stated that he had been employed on the staff of the Census as au extra clerk since May last until the end of the year just passed. His wife had been expecting a remittance from England, which had not arrived, and hence his inability to pay his debts. In answer to the Official Assignee, Mr Mansford stated that he had been compelled to seek the protection of the Act because some of his creditors had taken extreme measures. Mr Graham informed the meeting that the household furniture belonging to the bankrupt had been assigned to his wife shortly after his marriage, so that the creditors had no claim upon it. After some further questions, the bankrupt stated that he had no offer to make, and the meeting adjourned, the Official Assignee intimating that he would make more inquiries regarding the money the bankrupt expected from Home before the next sitting of the Bankruptcy Court took place.

The Official Assignee applied to his Honor 1 the Chief Justice, in the Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday morning, for a special order for the first meeting of oreditors in the estate of James Quinn, builder, to be held on Tuesday next. Mr Graham pointed out te his Honor that he had a great many meetings of creditors to attend to this week, and as Saturday and Monday were holidays, it would not be convenient to hold the meeting sooner. His Honor granted the applies* tion.

tti? The conductor of Gray’s Private Band has received the following letter from the Caledonian Society Dear Sir, —We have much pleasure iu informing you the Commttee are unanimous in expressing their entire approval of the music supplied by your band on the occasion of the annual gathering held at the Basin Reserve on the Ist instant. The handsome silver-plated instruments, the fine quality of tone, the excellent balance of the parts, and the choice selections of music, as well as the smart uniforms of the men, were much admired and appreciated. Wishing you, the able conductor, and your worthy colleagues, every success, in the name and with the authority of the Committee, we are etc.—J. Duthie, President j John Jack, Director of Music. The “General Gourko”who is reported by this week’s cable news to have told the Russian garrison at Warsaw that “ they would soon have an opportunity of avenging past insults,” is doubtless Count Joseph. Yassilyevich Gourko. Count Gourko, who previously had an unexceptionally brilliant military career, commanded the vanguard of the Imperial Army in 1877, and during the Rusao-Turkish war achieved one of the greatest deeds in his country’s history by traversing the Balkans at the head of his army in the depth of winter. From the Balkans Count-(then Major-General) Gourko led the Russians into the valleys beyond, and occupied Sofia, Philippopolis and Adrianople. He was made a Count in 1878, and elevated to the rank of Adjutant-General, while many other honors were conferred upon him by the grateful Czar of all the Russians. One other exploit of Gourko’s may be mentioned. On the 25th June, 1877, with a single detachment of cavalry and a single battery, he attacked and took the i town of Tirnovo, then strongly fortified and well occupied. A tea and public meeting in connection with the annual Free Methodist Conference was held in the church,Courtenay-plaoe,Tues-day evening. About 150 persons sat down to an excellent tea, presided over by the following ladies : —Mesdames Norbury, Kershaw, Redstone, Creighton, Bennett, Misses ; Scott r and Dry den. After the partyhad partaken of refreshments, a public meeting was held, the Rev J. Parkin (District Chairman) presiding. The Rev F. B. Dutton delivered an effective address on “ Christian Union.” A speech on “ Work,” by the Rev J. Edwards created » good deal of amusement. The Rev _S. McFarlane gave some very interesting statistics in relation to the Church, from, which it appeared that' there were Borne 900 members in church fellowship in New Zealand. He also gave a very graphic picture of the policy of the Church, for which he claimed a' most liberal character, and expressed great hopes of the fntnre welfare of the Church. Mr Leahy, of Christchurch, also gave an address. A vote o£ thanks was accorded to the Chairman and the ladies who presided over the tea tables. The benediction having been pronounced the company dispersed.

When the civil action Bank of New Zealand v. Hodgins was called on at the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning, there was no ap» pearance of the plaintiff’s counsel, and his Honor expressed great displeasure at such, conduct. His Honor said that it had been arranged to take the case before a special jury that morning, and now he was informed by the Sheriff that that official had received instructions not to summon the jury. Mr Jellieoe, who appeared for the defendant, said he had been informed that the case was adjourned till next sitting. His Honor said, he knew nothing about that, and did not feel disposed to adjourn the case. The jury had been summoned for that morning, and, without any reaaon being given, the Sheriff had received instructions not to summon the jury. It the members of the legal profession, thought such conduct right he did not. Mr Jellieoe said that no doubt the other side had overlooked the matter. They ■ had requested the adjournment, and it was their duty to have informed his Honor. His Honor did not suppose that the omission was intentional, but it certainly showed carelessness and want of respect. Subsequently Mr Stafford appeared and apologised for not having made the Court aware of the adjournment. The case was then fixed to be heard at the April sittings of the Court. The first meeting of the newly-elected trustees of the Benevolent Institution was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon, and was attended by the Rev Mr Van Staveren (who was voted to the chair), Messrs T. McKenzie, J. Wilson, B. Smith, and S. Danks. A letter was read from the Town Clerk, notifying the election of six trustees to the Board by the Council. As one of the trustees (Mr D. Hall) elected by the Council was not present, some discussion ensued as to what means had been adopted to notify members of the meeting. The Secretary stated that he had advertised the meeting in the papers. It was decided that members should be notified by circular. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Van Staveren,. seconded by Mr McKenzie, Mr H. S. Wardell was re-elected A letter was read from Mr J. Hart, expressing sincere thanks to the trustees for the kind letter sent by them during his recent bereavement. The case of a man with a. wife and family, who was unable to get • work, was dealt with. The man asked that the institution should advance him his passage money to Gisborne, where he was certain to gen work, and he promised to refund the money as soon as he had earned it. It was decided to advance the money on a guarantee being procured from the man’s employer at Gisborne, who would be communicated with. Several other cases were dealt with, orders for rations being made in deserving cases:. No action was taken in a number of other oases. Accounts to the amount of L 3 having been passed for payment, and other business transacted, the trustees went into com* mitfcee.

A Brindisi mail arrived in Auckland by the ftofcpmahana from Sydney on Tuesday .morning. The steamer Mararoa arrived at the Bluff with the English mail at 7« 15 a.m. on Mon« day. It is said that there is a decrease in the rateable value of property in the borough of Oamaru of LII.OOO as compared with the last valuation. The Tablet understands that steps are being taken for holding a public meeting in Dunedin to protest against the injustice of the education system. The banks throughout the Colony have agreed to reduce the rate of interest on fixed deposits by 1 per cent. The interest on deposits fixed for a year will accordingly be at the rate of 5 per cent. The civil action, Karaitiana’s trustees v. McDougall, was heard by his Honor the Chief Justice on Tuesday. Mr Chapman appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Edwards for _the defendant. Judgment was reserved. *S? Mr J. E. G. Bowern, of this city, has filed a petition praying for a dissolution of his marriage with Mary McDonald Bowern, on the grounds of the adultery of the latter with Edward Thomas Kitchen, of Christchurch. Mr Skerrett is acting for the petitioner.

The Hon E. Richardson, accompanied by Mrs Richardson and Mr Godden, the Minister’s Secretary, left by the Wainui for Greymouth on Tuesday, for the purpose of turning the first sod of the Midland Railway at Brunnerton. During his absence, Mr Richardson will visit all the principal towns on the West Coast, retnrning overland to Nelson. During the next session of Parliament Mr Fisher will introduce a Bill to amend the Incensing Act, in the direction of preventing brewers or wine and spirit merchants owning or possessing a proprietary interest in public houses. The effect, it is said, will be to prevent the brewers putting in “ dummies as licensees, and to improve the quality of the beverages dispensed in public houses. The Herald understands that the new train service between Palmerston and Foxton will be as foUows Depart from Foxton each day at 9 a.m., returning at 7 p.m. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, an extra train, arriving at Foxton at 1.35 p.m., and returning at 3.30 p.m., will be granted. This is likely to come into force almost immediately. '

The civil sittings of the Supreme Court were continued on Tuesday before his Honor the Chief Justice. The cases, Parkes v. Beadell (Mr Gully for the plaintiff, and Mr Edwards for defendant), and Beadell v. Tabutean, were, settled, the parties having come to an agreement. The first action was for a breach of contract in connection with "the purchase of a section of land. _ The other case arose out of 'the same question.

Daring Mr Bell’s address to the jury in the Cheymol forgery case at the Supreme Court on Monday, he alluded to the accused’s bankruptcy. Mr Jellicoe, counsel for defence, objected to the question being brought into the case. He remarked that it was not a very wicked thing for people, in Wellington, to be bankrupt. His Honor said that it was not necessary for the prosecuting counsel to allude to the accused’s bankruptcy.

At the meeting of the Benevolent Trustees Tuesday, the Rev Mr Van Staveren, who occupied the chair, said he was sorry to see the list of cases swelled on the first meeting of the new trust. They were far more numerous than hitherto, and it was not very encouraging. Mr Danks thought the institution would not be managed as oheaply as when the meetings were held weekly. After some discussion, in which the members generally spoke in favor of the weekly meetings being held, it was moved by Mr B. Smith that the original plan of weekly meetings be reverted to. /This was seconded by Mr S. Danks and carried.

The Otaki Maori prophet, lhaka, is to -visit Te Ore (near Masterton), and great preparations are being made for his welcome. The prophet has two assistants named Raumati and Te Hapimana. The Daily says that the child of a Te Ore Ore Native named Marakaia, which was ill, and was being attended by Dr Beard, was sent to Otaki, in order that lhaka, who, in addition to being a prophet, is also a “ medicine man.” He informed them that the child was getting on as well as could be expected, and ordeied it back to the Wairarapa again, where it died last week. The object of the prophet’s visit is to console with the parents, and to point ont the workers of witchcraft in the Te Ore Ore Pah. He has given it as his opinion that the death of the child was caused through the parents quarrelling after he had worked his spell, which would have the effect of undoing anything he may have worked for the benefit of the patient. Walter Leslie, draughtsman, has filed a statement in bankruptcy which shows his liabilities to be L 242, and his assets L 65. The following is the list of creditors : G. Humphries, L3O; Gear Meat Co., Ll2 ; J. Smith, L2O; J. Townley, Ll 6; Wellington Gas Co., L 7 ; H. Fielder, L 7 ; A. T. Bothamley, L 8 ; W. Ferguson, L 7 ; E. Hales, L 5 ; H. Tippler L 5; F. Sidey, L 5 ; Adair, L 6; A. Parnell, L 5 ; Branchini, L 6 ; A. W. Brown, L 5 ; J. Maginnity, L 4 ; Jameson Bros., L 4; W. Clark, L 3; L. Preston, L2; Kennedy and Evans, L2; Mackey, L 5 ; Dr Fell, L 3 ; Dr Henry, LI 10s; Dr Mahon, LI ; Dr Gillon, LI ; G. Mee, L2; W. Fitz Gerald, 10s ; McEwen, Brown, and Xitto, L2 ; A. Lindsay, LI 10s ; R. Hannah, LI 10s ; Potter, L 3 ; King, LI; Mrs Brown, L2 ; Bull, L 3 ; Green, LI 10s ; Pedaer, 10s ; J. R. Scott, L 5 ; Wilson, L2 ; C. Gamble, LI 3; Cazneau and Connolly, L 5 ; Wilson-Duret, L 26 ; Moren, LI.