TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 889, 15 March 1889, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

' v annual ram and ewe fair The will be held in the sho». ton onThnrsdoy, March 21. , The Primate-elect and the Bishop of Waiapu arrived from the South by the Penguin yesterday afternoon week. The Secretary of the Home for the Aged Needy (Mr C. P. Powles) would be glad to receive a few donations of books, magazines, &c., for tbe use of the inmates of the institution.

There has just died at the Adriatic watering place, Abbazia, at the age of 73, Ritter von Grocholski, formerly Minister, without portfolio, in the Hohenwart Cabinet, and • politician of great sagacity and influence. For the last 27 years he bad held a commanding position as leader of the Poles in Austria. By his great services to the Polish cause in this country, M. Grocholski wielded great influence over the Foies in Russia, and over the Polish emigrants in other countries also.

--’An experimental shaft sunk in the Kaituns Valley, distant about 12 miles from Havelock (says a local paper), has resulted in good gold being found. Mr Small, who undertook the work, has sunk 29ft, and although the bottom has not yet been reached, splendid prospects have been obtained, every dish having resulted in good gold being got. In one instance one penny weight was obtained in a single dish, and from all appearances the find will prove to be a most valuable one.

An English paper advises outting off the blossoms of potatoes as soon as they appear. The theory is that in seed bearing the plant exhausts its vitality. Indeed it is more than a theory ;itis a scientific fact. As a rule, if the full vigour of the plant is preserved, it mnst be prevented from producing seed. But the recommendation of the English writer is an illuetration of how some writers carry a scientific fact to an extreme which its application will not warrant. There are exceptions to the rule stated as well as almost to every rule, it has little application to the potato. The strength of the potato plant is thrown into the tuber. It is possible that removing the blossoms might make some little difference, but not enough to warrant the trouble and expense of removing them.

Some confusion seems to have arisen as to the real nature of the arrangements made by Mr G. R. West, of Dunedin, for the appearance in New Zealand of some eminent English singers and actors. An impression has been created that Mr Charles Santley, the great baritone, is coming out with a dramatic company who will give Shakespearian forest scenes. We learn, however, from Mr G. R. West that Mr Santley is coming out long before the dramatic company, and that he will bring with him a quartet party, so that if arrangements can be made for the performance of “Elijah” and other great works, all tbe solo parts may bo efficiently represented. Such an opportunity of hearing the greatest living baritone in his greatest parts ought not to be lost, and we hope our Wellington musicians will do their part in the matter. The dramatic company (30 in number) are not expected to reach Adelaide before October next.

The Trustees of the Home for the Aged Needy held their first monthly meeting at the institution yesterday week. There were present—Messrs H. S. Wardell (chairman), T. Mackenzie, and Rev H. Van Staveron. The Treasurer (Mr C. P. Powles) stated that when a few accounts which were owing had been' paid there would only be a few pounds left of the sum (£5019) which had been raised for the institution. It was stated that several nominations of inmates for admission to the Home had been received, but consideration of them was deferred until next meeting. At present there are five inmates in the Home—three males and two females. Some matters of detail relating to the Home were discussed, after which the Trustees adjourned. Before leaving the Trustees went round the Home on a visit of inspection, and they expressed themselves as highly pleased with the arrangements for the comfort of the inmates.

The St Petersburg correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph says An order to the army has just been issued, tbe importance of which in the present posture of European affairs cannot be under-rated. It transforms the units of five of the twelve light brigades of the Russian army from four battalions into four regiments of two battalions each. The same order provides for the transformation of three battalions of the reserve into regiments of two battalions. The Vienna correspondent of the Standard writes ;—The Russian Army, in all its branches, is undergoing a thorough reorganisation, more logical and more effective, and likewise more in accordance with the present [state of military science, than any reform hitherto attempted. Deficiencies are found out as the first step to reform, and the unknown mover in this matter is taking not only Russia, but the world at large into his confidence. With rare candour the Russian authorities are publishing the oensnres of the generals on the troops. Even in conn tries with a free press and Parliamentary control it is not usual to make known, as was done in the Russian papers quite recently, that the repeating rifle cannot be introduced at present because tbe firing of the infantry is so bad, their aiming being so unsatisfactory that the better rifle would only result in a waste of ammunition. The principal feature of the new Russian army reform is the augmentation of the units, which there is superabundant material to fill. “ROUGH ON BATS." Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed bugs, Dee ties, insects, skunks, jack rabbits, sparrows, gophers. At chemists and druggists. n BUCHU-PAIBA.” Quick, complete cure, all annoying Kidnap Bladder, and urinary Diseases, At chemista ana druggists. Kexnpthorne, Prosser & Co* Agte* WouibgtGE* — : —^.

, The Si A. Government tiflSs of*6B tor traffic extend over lSOtf miles; Nftmb&f'of passengers lrist jedt, 3.800,0,00 » ; B°'®^ traffic, 891,038 tons • toM feceipts/ £877,57© 19b lid.

The Chairman of the Benevolent Society (Rov H. Van Staveren) interviewed the Colonial Secretary yesterday week for the purpose of asking if the Government would give a grant of two acres of land in Mein-fltreetj Newtown, to the Benevolent institution as a cite fof a home for the old then fltiw being bhatded oiit by the’ Trtisteea. ile poifited but thdt the Trustees Vdtild be able to keep the old iflou Jit A nnich 16ss cost than at present it they bad a horde for thorn. in feplji; Mr Hisldp said that he would lay the iflatter before the Cabinet at the earliest, opjjottrinity; and h£ liad no doubt that tlie Govern inSnfc do their best to accede to tlie wishes of the Truatees. If they could not give then! thh land in Mein-street, they would probably give them two acres in some other suitable looality.

A pneumatic yicht,. called the Eureka, has recently been -launched at Brooklyn. The vessel is 100 feet long, and her extreme breadth is 12 feet j but the remarkable feature of her construction is the method of propulsion. A serieß of tubes are fitted in the bow, with their muzzles opening underwater, and they are divided internally into a nuinBdf Of Chambers for the reception of a mixture Of gaseous friel rind airs The contents are exploded in rapid succession by ifieanij Of an electrie spark, add the impact of the expanding gases against the surrounding water sufficient to propel the vessel. It is stated that the method of propulsion has been demonstrated as feasible, and that the performances of the vessel will be watched with interest. There is more novelty in this arrangement than in many of the so-called American inventions, but it is hardly probable that dither sdretv of paddle propulsion will suffer by its rivalry Another big land boom has come td iin untimely end. It will be remembered that a few months ago there was considerable excitement about the flourishing state of the Los Angelos district in Southern California. Several Wairarapa settlers left this Colony for that glittering land of promise. An Auckland gentleman forwards to the New Zealand Zealand the following extract from a letter received from Los Angelos : —“Our boom is ebbing into infinitesimal nothingness. Farewell, a long farewell to all ' iny greatness,’ each real estate agent can now say with Wolaey, and with fully as much truth. You have no idea of the tightness of the money market. People whom we used to trust to the extent of thousands, have now their accounts very closely scrutinised when they trench on a couple of hundreds. Some blame all this to the Presidential election, while others lay the fault at the boom’s door. Whatever the cause is, however, the fact is there staring ns in the face that things are m a very, very, disagreeable- position.” A letter from Adelaide gives the following picture of the summer:—lf all our summers were like the one through which we are passing, then the wbito race would have to say good-bye to South Australia, at all events for three or four months. Not once or twice, but five or six times, have those teirible and prostrating bouts of hot weather come upon us already, although January la not yet passed. The last of these accessions of heat was with ue for nearly a week, rendering day and night equally unbearable. The thermometer stood at over 100* through the night, and the largest and coolest houses were baked through like limekilns. On Tuesday business was almost entirely suspended in Adelaide. Carpenters and masons laid down their tools and went home. Offices were stewpans, and a cellar or the shady side of great buildings were the only bearable spots iu the city. As the red hall of fire went down each night nnd rose relentlessly glaring each morning, we felt a stirring of sympathy toward that unhappy tribe of Africans of whom Herodotus tells us, who lived so near the sun that each day as he rose they went forth, shook their fists at the luminary, and solemnly cursed him for broiling them all day. Last Bummer was exceptionally cool, but this one has reminded us that we live in a land where, as an Australian poet sings—- “ The south wind seldom wanders, and the winters will not stay.”

The French Revue des Colonies reports the discovery of a new textile on the shores of the Caspian. This plant, called kannff by the natives, grows in the summer, and attains a height of 10ft, with a diameter varying from two to three centimetres. By careful cultivation and technical manipulation, M. O. Blackenbourg, a chemist and engineer, who has made a special study of kanaff, has obtained an admirable textile matter ; it is soft, elastio and silky, gives a thread which is very tough, and can be chemieally bleached without losing its value. The stuffs manufactured out oi kanaff, and then bleached, can be successfully dyed in every shade of colour, and would compete with any of the ordinary furnishing materials now in use. But it is particularly for making sacks, tarpaulin, ropes, &c. t that this new textile, from its cheapness and its extraordinary resisting power, might defy all competition. Its specific weight is much less, but its resistance much greater than those of hemp. Thus, a cord of 8.25 mm. diameter, woven with the hand out of three threads of kanaff, requires a weight of 180 kilogrammes to break it. A cord half an inch thick, manufactured at Moscow, did not break till the weight of 625 kilogrammes was reached. When it is considered that Russia annually consumes more than 150,000,000 of sacks, a third of which is imported, it may easily be Been that the ap. pearance of this new textile on the Russian market iB an event of no slight importance.

The Ministers for Public Works and fidueation were passengers by the steamer ~Wdtitiiktif which sailed for the South on Sunday tiioinitig:

Mir : v^ho' tfsed iff ßf . & TUiftS a £s’ noie fining > tfa it was found Misti Florence Richafdaony at the corner of Cab&.tttf Mauners-stteot,' and returned to him.

The stage carriage by-law was confirmed a£ the City Council last week. It was decided, on the recommendation of the Inspector, to rippolflt an extra stand for 15 hackney oarfiagdS float the main gats of Newtown Park. tffig teftisal 8i Mr ©itffritr to take tha Etilafy votfed fof the Maybf eXoifed d Short disciisslofi at last week’s mCetiOg of the City Coiiiricit To'tffl Clefk haying asked for instructions as tef hciw the flld'uCy {IOO guineas per annum) wo’a to be fiaid, Jaur Wofship said he Understood when ho was elected that theie was no salary, and for his part he would not trike riny money. Councillor Seed hoped his Worship viotfld rccoflsider that decision, on the ground that it would establish a bad precedent. Councillor Heaton said that he had voted against the reduction of the salary, and should, when the time came, propose that it be increased to say £2OO. The Mayor thotight that the Gouncil should pay either a sum in proportion to' tbfl office or nothing. He really understood, when he was merited .j that ho wa3 not to receive any money, and he certainly should not take any. The discussion then ended.

A little riefbal . shftrpahooting over the broad questions of legal CXpCnsSs and justice enlivened the meeting of Mf R; creditors last week. Legal step's b'eiffg tiofltemplated, Mr Travers pointed out that tlie progress of justice was impeded at present, seeing that Mr Justice Richmond was about to proceed to Gisborne, while the Chief Justice was shortly going to assume the Governorship of the Colony, Mr Reeves remarked that be had always understood that the pfOper cOUfse Of justice was one of interruptions ; to which Mr Travels responded that Mr Reeves had had experieflCe'; ritid probably knew. Later on the advisableDess of expenditure on legal proceedings as a principle cropped up. Mr Macdonald disapproved employing lawyers when it could be avoided, and Mr Travers said law was like medicine—very good taken at the proper time, and in large doses. To this the bankrupt added that he had a carriage whioh cost £l6O in law expenses alone. A record gathered by the Carlisle Journal from the columns of the daily newspapers shows that during the year 18S8 the revolver was responsible for at least 92 deaths in Great Britain. Of these 10 were those of people murdered, and three those by murderers who expiated on the scaffold crimes committed with the revolver. Two murderers are now awaiting execution for the Tunbridge Wells shooting oaae, and two others —Dr Burke and a man who shot his sweetheart at Barnet —were sentenced to death arid. reprieved. During the year there were no fewer than 69 cases of suicide, including those of 10 men who had committed or attempted to commit murder, and four clergymen. The fatal “ accidents ” numbered 10. Numerous oases of shooting with intent occurred. The pro. secutioua under the Gun License Act have been very few, and as it is unreasonable to expect people to pay 10s a year for a license to carry a pistol, the Act is evaded wholesale. The Chanoellor of the Exchequer, in introducing his Budget, threw out hints of legislation to meet the evil, but nothing has been done. In the meantime an enterprising tradesman at Birminghamis turningoutcheap revolvers at the increasing rate of 12,000 additional every year. The Grey River Argus says there is very good ground for stating that before long the discovery of a rich find of stream tin in this district will be announced. It is not the first time that reports of good prospects of tin have been heard here; indeed, we believe that shortly before the Midland Railway Company commenced operations application was mode for one or two leases, but as it was understood that they wore located within the boundaries of the authorised reserve for the Company nothing more has been heard of them. Now, however, that the reserve from which the Company can select their land-grants has been laid out, there is nothing to prevent any prospector holding a miner’s right or a prospeotlng license from searching for gold or silver—and we presume tin also, though that metal is not mentioned—within the authorised area prior to the grant of such lands to the Company ; and they can only take up their land pari passu with the work of construction. It is also stated that a silver lode has been found in close proximity to the tin; but for obviouß reasons the lucky finder is very reticent as to the exact locality. The following intimations are from Lloyd’s Weekly : —Henry Phillip Brooks, who left Petworth for New Zealand in 1572, and last wrote 11 years since from Christchurch, Canterbury, is inquired for by his mother. William Chadtield is sought by his mother, who lost heard of him in 1884, as a warder, id “ The Asylum,” Wellington, New Zealand. George Derry is sought by his parents, who last heard of him in 1884, when he left the Pacific coast for New Zealand. Sarah Ann Gordine (nde Cowell) was *ast heard of at West Cleaves, Napier, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Her mother would like to hear of her. Alfred Harper sailed for New Zealand in the Kingdom of Sweden iu 1881. His brother, lately in the army, desires tidings. William Parsons left England in 1873 to go to New Zealand, and last wrote ten years Bince. His wife's sister seeks news. Richard Mulford was last heard of six years ago with a Mrs Wheeler, North-East Valley, Dun* odin, New Zealand. His mother inquires. James Twohey, of Limerick, left Auckland, New Zealand, to go up country in 1866. His brother Joseph wishes to hear of him. Peter Macker went to New Zealand in 1877, and was last heard of in Bay View-road, South Dunedin, New Zsaland. His sister Frances writes. John George Kearns was last heard of in 1883 at Mary Hill, Dunedin, New Zealand. His parents are anxious.

His Uzd&lU'Tfcy ffte Governor was entertained at a fareWOll diririof fit the drib on Saturday last.

On Sunday having such lovely WdSthtft caused a largo number of citizens to takb trips out into the country. Cobb and Co.’s ebffytyoflosi to Pitone and the Hutt were dfdtf'dria eSOfi trip,

The b rise ball efi'afiift'k'SShip match between th"6Wollingtfqn 1 arid 1 Huttf tfe&SyWbloh should hatfc bseii played on Saturday,- W’rtO,- owing to the inoibiSbrv'cy of thri weather; until to morrow.

In consequence of the WStW being SO rough on Saturday afternoon the rowing of the heats of the Fitz Gerald Fours (Star Bodfc* ing Club) could not take place. The heats Will be got off during the present week, and, if the Weather if» fine, a start will probably be jsadb' this evening.-

B&sWrit visitors, (iota' [ 'Melbourne give a doleful dtitidahi or tfrfi State of Mfaife there since , the c'ollapß'e Of the boom.- It is computed that fully SO.POy people ifl the diiy have at present no settled* mean# off subsistence; rind thait matters ate likely to’ be worse yet bofoid tho full effect of the late wild land gambling has been rcaOhod.' The Rev H. J. Robjohns, agent* of t&H British and Foreign Bible Society, delivered an interesting sermon at the Kent-terrace Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, bis subject being “The Bible King in the World of BoofeS. y ’ In tile evening Mr Robjohns preached at the Tefraoe Congregational Church, the subject o* Ms yermon being “The Bible in Recent Lights.”

The open-air concert given by Gray’s Batld rit the Basin Reserve on Sunday afternooD, in aid of Mi-S Moore, drew a very large audience. The' mflsic stippliud by the band was of an excellent fiattifS riiid . beautifully played. Unfortuh’rifcbly,’ although tbo attendance was very large (rib'oiit 3QOO people being present), the amount taken fety tfvriy frf contributions at the gates was not proportionate, only £l3 16s-4d being received. In this sum there were 268 threepenny pieces, 205 sixpences, 123 pennies, 82 shillings, 6 twO-Shilling pieces, 2 half-pennies, and 1 half-dfowU; Also there were one tokeu aud one button. The UmpUnt collected wilL be handed over by the Working Men’s Club to the two trustees appointed, Mecsrs Blundell and Beadnall. The Vice-President of the Club, Mr Crispe, superintended the arrangements in connection with the concert. The liabilities in the bankrupt estate of J. R. Stansell, publican, of Pitone, who was adjudicated a bankrupt on Friday, are stated to be £965 8s lid, and the assets £1147 19s lOd, thus showing a surplus of £lB2 10s lid. The principal unsecured creditors are F. R. Jones (Timaru), £lls 10s ; D. Wilkie (Pitone), £42 Is 6d ; S. R. Johnson (Pitone), £94 13s lid j Thomas Winter (Pitone), £llO ; Staples and Co. (Wellington), £220 4s 3d ; Levin and Co., £lO6 18s 2d j T. and W. Young, £lO9 3s 3d; Mrs Brodie,_ £52 19s 6d ; Moorhouse and Edwards, £ls 19s 6d; Mrs A. J. Parsons (Wanganui), £62. The secured creditors are —Bank of New Zealand (Timaru), £2624 ; National Bank of New Zealand (Timaru), £550; T. Winter (Pitone), £308; A. E. 1. Rhodes (Christchurch), £1759 10s ; Equitable Building and Investment Company (Wellington), £1020; N. Valentine (Wellington), £1679 12s 9d ; J. Staples and Co. (Wellington), £58512s 9d. Lord Delamere and his party, who arrived at Port Chalmers by the R.M.S. Arawa, are on a round tour of the world. A London correspondent says: —“Lord aud Lady Delamere, with their daughter, the Hon Sybil Cholmoadeley and Lady Evelyn Reynolds Moreton, expect tobo away four months, and will return to England via San Francisco. Lord Delamere is a chatty old gentleman, nearly eighty years of age. He sat in the House of Commons as a member for Montgomeryshire from 1861 to 1867, but never did or said anything specially remarkable. The present Lady Delamere ia his lordship's second wife, and is some years younger than himself. She was a daughter of Sir George Hamilton Seymours, and became Lady Delamere in IS6O. Miss Cholmondeley is a young lady of nineteen only, and possessed of what the society papers call ‘ considerable personal attractions.’ Lady Evelyn Reynolds Moreton i 8 a maiden lady, and a daughter of the second Earl of Ducie. Two of her brothers have long been settled in Queensland. In fact, one of them, the Hon Berkeley Reynolds Moreton, is a prominent politician in that colony, and was Postmaster-General in 1885. Lord Delamere is not rich.

S?A fire took place at Wadestown at about 10 o'clock on Saturday night by which a two-storied four-roomed house, butcher’s shop and grocery, owned and occupied by Mr Arthur George Barnard, were totally destroyed. Mr Barnard, it appears, was the only occupant of the house at the time. After closing his shop for the night he went to the Bitting room upstairs, carrying a lighted caudle. A lamp was also burning in the room. He then went out to the yard to secure some fowls, leaving the candle and lamp alight in the sittingroom. When he returned five minutes later he found the room all ablaze, and the flames spread so rapidly that he was driven downstairs. The alarm was at once given among the neighbours, bub without hose or other appliances they were powerless, of course, and had to stand by and seo the place destroyed. Mr Barnard is utterly unable to account for the fire breaking out, for he left the lamp and candle, as he thinks, quits safe, and there was no fire in the room. The building was insured in the New Zealand office for £175, the furniture (which was all destroyed) in the Standard office for £9O, and the stock in the Standard office for £l5O, Mr Barnard estimates his gross loss at between £6OO and £7OO.

I The adjourned meeting of eft Ctlvliors in the estate of A. H. Duff lapsed last Friday in tlm absence of a quorum. The Von. Archdeacon Fancourb and the RoVS. if. Still and A. Towgood returned to WelHflgfeSh’ pw Friday from their visit to Dunedin, was'iff they, Wer# attending the meeting of the Gefletril' Syiiod 1 ,- An alarm of fire was given shortly after 3 o’clock last Friday afternoon. It appeared that a quantity of blue gum leaves, which i Were heaped together in the backyard of a 1 ! XeSidencfe in Ingeatre-street, occupied by Mr &. p'drey,- bftd caught fire. Constable Madden, wuO Ivtfp'p&flte'd to he in the vicinity at the time, and' U bystander Spsodily extinguished the lire with the’aid of a? few bankets of writer. . The Fire Brigade were promptly in attenaafidey but their services were not needed. It ia' heft known how tlie fire originated. A largely attended meeting’ of the committee appointed for carrying out therifrangements in connection with the approaching Dog Show was held last Friday night, at the i Athenamm. Mr Moate was voted to the ; 6'tfa'ir.- The reports from the various sub- ' Were brought up, and it was ; aeCortarndd that most of the arrangements ■ were now ci-flfpfote'. The date on which Entries close ha's been extended to iastV an‘d jiidging from the fringe, number of entries ri&eridy. received,- the affair Will exceed the antfcfp'ati’ohs: of the committee'. No doubt the fact of the services of Mr Coupe, the Melbourne judgd, being secured has largely influenced the number Of entries. It will be very satisfactory to entrants of dogs to know that their animals will receive i careful and corr ct judging, and decisions Which* will bo fair aud beyond suspicion The number (A entries will exceed 200. A vote of thanks, carried by acclamation, was accorded to Messrs Cla 4ef atnd F'ercy for their exertions as canvassers. A- similar compliment was accorded Mr Moate for presidiagi Ats itiqiidSt was held on the body of the lfljtfe B’oy William Geary, who died suddenly yesterday w£ek Under circumstances related in last week’s issue, at- the Brunswick Hotel, before Mr H* W, s Robinson (District Coroner) ritfef » jury of six, of whom Mr T. P. Coyehriy tvae obuson foreman. Drßawson stated that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body, assisted by Dr McKenzie. The body was Well nourished and the organs of the che'st were all healthy, The small intestines were foflnd to be distended and rnuoh congested, and fl portion of the bowel was found to be folded arid: constricted by a knucke being passed through a hole in the mesentery. The cause of death was intestinal obstruction, caused- by a loop of the intestine passing through a hole iu the mesentery. The rupture might have beeD caused by some sudden and unusual exertion, but there was nothing te denote how it had been brought about. There were no internal bruises. Harriett Geary, mother of tho deceased, gave evidence as to how she had treated the boy when he came home ill. She could not learn from him that there was anything to account for his beiog unwell. He did not tell her that he had had a fall. The nurse who had attended the deceased also gave evidence. Tho jury returned a verdict in accordance with tho medical testimony.

A public trial and exhibition of M. A. Despeissis’ invention, entitled “An improved means for creating an even aud regular draught through tlie tubes or flues of steamboilers,” was held last Friday at the works of Mr J. E. Hayes, Lambton-quay. The invention consists m baffle-plates, which are fitted or hinged to the back end of the boiler in such a manner that every horizontal row of tubes is enclosed between two of the said plates, which form, as it wore, an extension of them, and by meausof which the distance which the heated gases from the fire have to travel to reach the flue cau be varied at will. In the oidinary steam-toiler, the highly heated gases from the fire being lighter in proportion as they are hotter, rush to the highest level and are carried off almost entirely by the upper tubes, leaving the lower ones comparatively cool just where the heat is of most use. Now, the office of the baffle-plates ia to alter this state of things by interposing a resistance between tfte exit end of the tubes and the chimneyshaft, which may be varied for every row of tubes as desired, so that practically the draught may be so regulated that each tube conveys an equal amount of heat, ano the heat, being thus evenly distributed, less fuel will be wanted. The inventor states the saving in fuel to be one-third, which seems to us tempting enough to procure for the invention a practical trial by somo of our large steam users.

J. R. Stansell, publican, of Pitone, and Richard Hecker, builder, of Wallace-street*. have been adjudicated bankrupts. The Government have received from tl e Agent-General a priuted copy of a report by Professor Roberts-Austen on the processes: in use for the treatment of refractory ores at Freiberg.

i The adjourned annual meeting of the i Harbour Board will be held on Thursday, March 21st, at 2.30 p.m., for the purpose of examining, settling, aud allowing the accounts of the Board for the year ISSS. The accounts are printed and lie open for public inspection at the offices of tho Board during office hours. An elderly mgn'naflied Harold Worth met with an accident at’Newtown on Saturday afternoon. Injudiciously attempting to get; off a tram while it was in motion, Worth fell off to his head in the road and wats stunned. He was picked up and taken inter Mr Bell’s shop, where he presently recovered and walked away, none the worse for his acdfdent, with the exception that he had received a slight wound on the head. The election of a President of the Chamber of Commerce took place at a meeting of the Council held last Friday. Messrs N. Reid, W. H. Levin, and A. H. Miles having resigned their seats on the Couneil, Messrs J. Duncan, E. W. Mills, and J. Harcourfc wore elected to the vacant positions. Mr B. W, Mills (vice-president last year) w as then; efeefied President of the Chamber, aud Air D„ T. Stuart Vice-president.

People Who have visited Niagara will bo interested to know that in the early days of the year a further mass of rock fell from the precipice of the Horse Shoe Falls. The effect of this displacement on thejeontour of the falls is said to be quite marked. For the paste few these falls have been somewhatlosing their curve, owing to the falling away of rock in the centre. The recent changes, however, have restored the falls to thei* original horse-shoe shape. An accident which might have proved fatal happened last Friday afternoon to a. little boy aged !0' years, son of Mr J. Lett, bootmaker, of Taranalki-street. As the trani was proceeding along Manners-street the little fellow by some means or other fell from the car and was picked up in an un6'cnseiou'g state and carried to Mr J. Hancox 8 dispensary. Mr Hancox examined the little fellow cad soon brought him round, fortunately not much the worse for the accident, except a few bruises and a severe shaking.

The American Government are paying a high compliment to the press of that country by appointing two prominent newspaper men as Ministers at Foreign Courts, Mir Whitelriw Reid as American representative at the Court of St. James, and Mr Murafc Halstead American Minister at Paris. Mr Murat Halstead is a native of Butler County, Ohio, and was born in 1830. He begsss writiog for the press at the age of He became at 21 nows editor of the Cincinnati Atlas. He afterward became assistant editor of the Enquirer, and a little later occupied a similar position on a prosperous literary weekly, entitled The Colnmbrian. He soon changed for a more congenial situation on the Cincinnati Commercial. Here be hasbeen since March 1553, and owner of the paper since May, 1854. The progress of the man and the solid worth of the paper ho commands are two incontrovertible facts.

The quarterly meeting of the Porirua Licensing Committee was held last Friday. There were present—Messrs Darby, Smith, Prior, Jones, and Death. Mr Darby was re-elected chairman. The Committee granted a transfer of theliceuse of the Porirua Hotel from the Official Assignee in the estate of Mrs E. T. King to Andrew H. Bennie, late licensee of the Railway Hotel, Johnsonville. Constable Slight reported that tlie White Horse Hotel at Ngauranga was very badly furnished, and that the general condition of tb.e house was unsatisfactory. The Clark: (Mr W. P- James) stated that on receipt of the police report he had written to the then licensee of the= hotel (Mr A. M. Richardson) informing him that the police intended to object to the license being granted on the grounds mentioned in the report, and that he had better attend the meeting. The licensee did not appear, and was not represented. The Committee expressed the opinion that the licensee or someone to represent him should have been present. After somo discussion, the Committee adjourned without arriving at any decision. Subsequently Mr Breeu, the present licensee of hotel, attended and had an interview with the chairman. As it appeared that considerable improvement had been made in the hotel tho chairman decided to graut Mr Breen a temporary license.

Few people know that the dead Earl of Eucan—the hero of the Light Brigade charge —served as a volunteer in the Russian army under General Gebitsch in IS2S.

Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather on Saturday, there was onlj a small attendance at the Wellington Bowling Club’s green. Only one game was played, Messrs Whitehouse, Cooper, Blair, and MoGlashan (skip) Messrs Reid, Davidson, Grady, and Barron (skip) by 21 points to 10. A new form of electrical railway is being erected at St Paul, Minnesota. The cars do mot touch the ground, but are suspended from girders which form the track, and at the same time the mains conveying the cur* rent. Speeds of from eight to ten miles per hour are expected.

In the bankrupt estate of Richard Hecker, builder, the liabilities are set down at £137 3s Id, and the assets £llO 15s od, the deficiency being £26 7s Sd. Following are the unsecured creditors :—J. Beck, £7O Is 6d ; A. J. Bennett, £l9 8s 3d j J. Watts, £5 } J. Souper, £5 ; J, W. Evans, £2s Ss 4d ; «£. Sinclair, £5 53 ; E. G. Jellicoe, £3O. It is stated (says an Auckland contemporary) that a gentleman left by the last steamer for Sydney with a view of seeing whether an Australian syndicate could be induced to go in for the purchase of the Tikitere geysers and other natural wonders adjacent comprised in a block of some 6000 acres. There are said to be some eighty leading Natives interested in the soheme, when the title is secured, and that Sydney Taiwkanga is taking an active part in the .negotiations.

In the account of To Kooti’s escape from the Chatham Islands, which we publish elsewhere, it is stated that Baker (the Native interpreter) told the crew of the Rifleman that the man who was thrown overboard was To Kooti’s father, and was killed in consequence of his having disclosed a previous plan of escape the prisoners had formed, for which Te Kooti and other chiefs had been flogged. A gentleman Who was then and still is a resident in the Chatham Islands informs us that this story was quite a fabrication. Neither Te Kooti nor any other Maori was ever flogged on the island. Te Kooti’s secretary, Ha mi ora Tuki, of Rotorua, is still in Auckland, says the Herald, having determined to see life after his adventures with Te Kooti. 113 has not yet made up his mind whether he will go on to Otewa, Te Kooti’s settlement, or go on to Rotorua. Tuki denies the accuracy of the 'statement that the Uriweras had offered their active service to Te Kooti. It seems that Paora Tuhaere was asked to become hail for the guerilla leader, but doclined, thinking that seclusion, in Mount Eden served him right. Sydney Taiwhanga, offered himself, but through some cause or other his bail would not be accepted. Te Kooti left Mercer and passed through Hamilton on his way to his settlement. He was the object of great curiosity along the line. Apparently he is in bad health, and is not likely again to d'sburb the quiet of the East Coast districts, but to live peacefully with his followers.

A special meeting of the City Council was held on Monday afternoon for the purpose of receiving the report of the committee appointed to consider the tenders for the formation of Owen, Daniel and CoroJaande.lstreets. There were present—The Mayor, Messrs Brown, Heaton, Muir, Harris, Chapman, Fraser, Seed and Willeston. It appears that the formation of the streets mentioned was decided upon some time ago, an arrangement being made between the Council and Mr Capper (as representative for Mr Walter Turnbull) that the latter should contribute a portion of the cost. Tenders were received at the last meeting of the Council, and it was found that the lowest was considerably in excess of the sum estimated. A committee was appointed, and they com municated with Mr Capper about the matter. The latter offered to pay half the amount of the tender in excess of the estimate, orovided tho Council would pay the other half. This offer was considered at Monday’s meeting. The meeting then went into committee to consider the matter, and it was decided to agree to Mr Capper's offer. In our cable messages this week the death is announced of John Ericsson, the eminent engineer. He was born July 31, 1803, in the province of Weremeland, Sweden. He entered the army at an early age, and rose to be captain in 1827. In 1836 he constructed a flame engine, and went to London to introduce it. He produced in rapid succession an instrument for sea soundings—a hydrostatic weighing machine, tabular steam boilers, and artificial draught by centrifugal blowers. In 1829 lie competed with Stephenson for tho historical Liverpool and Manchester railway prize, for which he built the locomotive “ Novelty ” that was said to excel in lightness, elegance, and speed all other competitors. He next invented the steam fire engine, and in 1835 he constructed' his famous calorie engine, and in 1853 the ship Ericsson of 2000 tons, propelled by this motor. His greatest invention, however, was in 1836 the screw propeller which has revolutionised navigation. In 1837 he built tho first screw steamer on the Thames, and in IS4I he built in America tiie screw warship Princeton. In 1854 he offered the plan of a turret ship to Napoleon 111., and in 1851 he built the American ironclad Monitor in 100 days. His latest vessel, the Destroyer, carries a submarine 16ia gun, which discharges 300!b of gun cotton in a 15001 b projectile against an ironclad’s hull beneath the armour belt. Hia sun-motor, erected in 1883. develops a steady power obtained from the inexhaustible supply of direct mechanical energy stored up in the sun. This motor is not patented, being intended by the designer as a contribution to applied science. For many years Ericsson resided in New York,

‘Keatings Powder,’ destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of tnis powder Is extraordinary. It is _ perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is «Keating’s,’ as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d, Is aud 2s 6d each, by all chemists)

It is reported in Reefton that Mr R. C. Reid, of the Dunerlin Evening Herald, baß purchased one of the Westport newspapers, aod purposes issuing it daily in an enlarged form.

There are miles &f b&ble tramway in The nlimber of persons carried during tho last six months of 18S8 was over 19,730,000, being an inorease of 9,400,000 as compared with the returns for tho same period of last year.

At the Reefton Lieeasiag Committee election the five following gentlemen were duly elected i—Messrs Chattoek, Lecky, Murphy, Collings, Adams. The event did not excite much interest from the fact that Out of 250 on the roll only SO votes were recorded ; the Good Templars not taking any part in it whatever, not even recording their votes.

The Committee of tho Wellington Amateur Athletic Club decided, at a meeting Monday night, to postpone the Saturday afternoon meeting, which had been fixed for April 6th, until the 27th April, as the former date will ‘Clash with the Hawkes Bay Amateur Athletic Club’s meeting hold on that day. At the latter meeting the amateur mile championship will be run. The Rev H. J. Robjohns, the travelling agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, stated at the annual meeting of the Wellington auxiliary of the Society Monday that during last year 1,250,000 Bibles were circulated from the Society’s dep6t in Lon« don, which w.<s nearly as many Bibles than were priuted in the year 1880. Since the Society had been established it had circulated 116,000,000 Bibles. The Salvation Army are making great preparations for the reception of Commissioner How rd, of Melbourne, who is on a visit to this Colony. Ho is expected to arrive here on Friday (to-day.) In the evening at 6 30 there will be a grand reception tea meeting in the barracks and a monster reception meeting will take place afterward. The Commissioner will Bpoak of the war carried on by the Salvation Army in all parts of the world. At about half-past 9 Tuesday night the Man-ners-street fire brigade stationkeeper discovered an incipient fire in the workshop of Mr C. Bath, in Courtenay-place. The fire fortunately had not gained a strong hold when it was -discovered, although it had burned a hole in the wall and through to Messrs Rouse and Hurrell’s factory next door. The bell was not rung, but Captain Page and several members of the Brigade took, the hose reel down and promptly quenched the fire. The damage done was only trifling. Lord Cross was summoned to Osborne recently for a private conference with the Queen and the Empress Frederick concerning the disposal of that part of the Emperor Frederick’s fortune which he left to trustees (Her Majesty, the King of the Belgians, and the Duke of Saxo-Coburg Gotha) for the benefit of his widow and younger children, with a Bpofial direction that it was to bo invested in British securities. The late Emperor’s fortune was wholly derived from his father, Kaiser William, and he left a large sum to the Empress absolutely, out of which Her Imperial Majesty has expended about £40,300 in the purchase of a residence and estate at Krongberg in tho Taunus. The Rev H. T. Robjohns desires to explain that, in his address to the Bible Society on Monday night, he said that in 1800 “there were about five millions of volumes of Scripture in the world whereas “ last year the British and Foreign Bible Society alone Bent out four aud a quarter millions, and other Bible societies bring up the year’s issue to about seven millions, that is more than were in all the world iu 1800.” Also, in speaking of tho number of volumes distributed last year in New Zealand, he referred only to the “300,000 Jubilee New Testaments that had been distributed in the State Schools of four of the colonies," and bo intended no reflection on the New Zealand ministers for lack of energy in the matter.

Mr Edward Pearce will move at the next meeting of the Harbour Board, “That the resolution adopted at a special meeting of the Board held on the 21st January last, and reading as follows: —‘That subject to the agreement of Messrs Sargood, Son and E wen to build along the whole frontage to both the Hunter-street extension and the new 100 ft street, the Board agree to the cancellation of the separate leases for sections 4, 5 and 6of the Hunter-streat endowment, and to the substitution of a single lease for the three sections in one block,’ be rescinded, and the following substituted therefor : * That the Board agree to the cancellation of tho separate leases for sections 4, 5 and fi of the Hunter-street endowment, and to the substitution therefor of one or more leases, as may be desired by Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewea,’ ”

An ordinary meeting of the Hospital Trustees was held on Tuesday. Present— Messrs F. H. Fraser (chairman), Kebbell, Willeston, Luke, Taylor, and Allen, Rev Mr Van Staveren, and Dr Newman, M. H.R. Mr Van Staveren reported that the Convalescent Home Committee would probably report at the next meeting. The Chairman reported ihat the sale of endowment leases had resulted very unsatisfactorily, only one section being disposed of. It was decided to dispose of them privately at the upset prices. The return of patients showed that there were 98 in the hospital at the end of the month. The “liquor bill ” showed that in February last 15 patients consumed an average of 8 pints each ; and in February, 18SS, 11 consumed about 12 pints each. The House Committee’s report was read and adopted. In committee, the Trustees decided to import their drugs during tho next twelve months.

At the meeting hbid at thb Exchange Hall on Tii' fidfty in cohheclibn With the Llrinedin Exhibition, about £SO was subscribed toward the expenses of the local committee. The Wellington Navals will form a guard of honour at the departure of the Governor on Monday next. The Brigade will probably parade in white uniforms. It is also expected that they will attend as a guard of tsfln'o’ur at tho luncheon to-morrow to his Excellency. The New Zealand Shipping Company have received information to the effect that the R.M.S. Rimutuka left Plymouth for New Zealand on Saturday last at midnight. She was delayed several hours waiting for the mails, which were late in arriving at Plymouth owing to the heavy floods in tho southwest of England. Speaking of Lord Onslow, our new Governor, tho London correspondent of a Christchurch paper says “He is sending out supplies of lager beer to Government House. There need not, howover, be any bad feeling among colonial brewers over this, as lager beer is not a Now Zealand product.

An accident happened to a lad named Henry Bethune, aged 12 years, son of Mr J. H. Bethune, in Oriental Bay, on Tuesday afternoon. He was riding along the Bay when his horse shied, and he was thrown off. The lad, who was rendered unconscious by the fall, was conveyed to Mr Wilkinson's residence, where ho was attended to. The Hutt County' Council decided on the motion of Councillor Lancaster, seconded by Councillor Darby, that the Council should seek the aid of the County Coun. cils throughout the Colony with a view to getting the Licensing Act. amended so as to confer the powor of granting licenses on the Councils within the district, aud so lessen the expense attending the present system of granting licenses. A committee, consisting of Councillors Wakeham (chairman), Lancaster, Darby, Speedy, Taylor and Brown, was appointed to draw up a petition.

tgfA narrow escape from a very serious, if not fatal, accident happened in Willis-street about 8 o’clock Tuesday night. The heavy north-west gale which was blowing at the time blew down the veraudah in front of Mr C. Knigge’s Brunswick Restaurant. Mr T. H. Smith, the well-known fruiterer of Manners-street, happened to be passing at the time, and a portion of the falling verandah struck him on the head. He was knocked down, but was soon extricated from the dribris by several bystanders. It was found that he had received a severe shaking, and that one of his legs was slightly injured. His escape from more serious injuries was certainly a marvellous one. Two other men named Redmond and O’Loughlin, who were standing near the verandah when it came down, also had narrow escapes.

His Honor the Chief Justice intimated at the sitting of the Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, with regard to his decision of the previous day with reference to Mrs Munro’s proof in the estate of her husband, William Munro, that, subject of course to argument, supposing the money to have been the husband’s, as he concluded it was, then the bankrupt wa3 paying a debt to his wife, which he was perfectly entitled Jto do, provided it was not a fraudulent preference, that was to say, paid within three months of the bankruptcy. Thero was nothing in the Married Women’s Property Act to prevent his paying his wife a debt before the bankruptcy, and if it was paid—as he understood it was—more than three months of the bankruptcy, then it was not a fraudulent preference. He was of opinion that there was no answer to the point. Mr Fitzherbert appeared for Mrs Muuro.

The Benevolent Society Trustees held their usual weekly meeting in the Corporation Buildings on Tuesday afternoon. There were present —Rev H. Van Staveren (chairman), Messrs Willeston, Smith, and Monaghan. It was stated that tho family of a woman who was receiving aid were now earning enough money to keep her, and it was decided to strike her off the list. A man, a carpenter by trade, with a wife and eight children, whose ages ranged from 17 to 1£ years, wa3 granted rations for two days on condition that he worked out the cost. It was decided to provide a small room and food for a woman in ill-health, who had one child. It was decided to advertise for tenders for boarding and lodging the old men under the care of the institution, the tenders to close on the 26th instant. A small account was passed for payment. The usual board and lodging orders and ration lists were considered. The Trustees then adjourned for a fortnight.

At a meeting of the Benevolent Society Trustees on Tuesday afternoon the Chairman (Rev H. Van Staveren) said he wished to draw the attention of the Trustees to a statement made by the Mayor at the last meeting of;the City Council, that charitable aid in Wellington was administered in a lavish and extravagant manner. He desired to give that statement an utter denial. As far as was possible every case brought before the Trustees was fully inquired into before aid was granted, and as far as they could they exercised every care in administering charity in the city. The charge was unfounded, and the Mayor showed that he knew very little about the matter. He suggested that the Mayor should attend a meeting of the Trustees, and then he would get some idea of how the business was done. As a further answer to these statements he referred to commendatory remarks iu the report of Dr McGregor as to the adminstration of charitable aid in this city. Mr Willeston endorsed the Chairman’s remarks, and said that since he had been a trustee he had observed. that the greatest care was taken in dealing with cases. He thought they acted as economically as possible. Mr B. Smith thought the Mayor’s remarks were uncalled for. Mr P. Monaghan said he had been so struck with the manner in which the business was carried out that he had frequently advised tho Hutt Cmnty Council, of which he was a member, to conduct their business with regard to charitable aid matters in a similar way. The discussion then closed,

The hoxt sitting of the Bankruptcy Cottrfc frill be held on the 2ith April. On Sunday next, St Patrick’s Day, the St Patrick’s College Band will perform during the afternoon in the College grounds. Mr H. Damant was appointed Relieving Officer to the Hutt County Council at the meeting of the Council on Tuesday.

A man named Samson, who had been com* mitted to the Lunatic Asylum from Woodville, was brought down by the Wairarapa train on Tuesday night in charge of Constable Salmon.

Mr Purnell, of Wanganui, the champion rifle shot of New Zealand (says the Chronicle), will probably be Unable to attend the meeting at Blenheim of the New Zealand Rifle Association, owing to the continued illnesß of Mrs Purnell. A London correspondent states that Dr Geffoken, who is in the Riviera, will probably visit England in the course of the summer* He fs a strong admirer of English institutions, and is personally acquainted with several English politicians, It seems settled (says a writer in the Philadelphia Times) that the poet Tennyson cannot be induced to write a volume of his memoirs. One American publisher has authorised his London representative to offer Lord Tennyson £IOOO for the American rights of such a book. Another has offered £4OO each for five chapters of such a book for magazine publication. Both offers have been declined. It is thus pardonable to infer that a volume of Tennyson’s memoirs will never see the light, for certainly more generous terms could not be offered to induce any man to put pen to paper. In the meantime Mr Wilkie Collins, not so unsusceptible to financial promises, is plodding along on his memoirs, which promise to make a volume rich in interest.

The Committee of the Bible Society met on Tuesday afternoon in Baker’s Rooms at 4.30, when, considering the imperfect character of the notice, there w.as a good attendance. Mr J. G. W. Aitkin was voted to the chair. Rev H. T. Robjohns, 8.A., delivered an address on various details bearing on that new departure which it is believed and hoped is about to be made in Wellington. After some conference Rev Dr West was elected President of the Wellington Auxiliary, and Rev H. H. Driver Secretary. Mr Benjamin Smith continues to be the Treasurer. A full meeting of Committee was determined on for Monday, April Ist, at 7.30, on the premises of St John’s Presbyterian Church. Tho regular monthly meeting of the Athemsum Committee was held on Tuesday night. The President (Mr C. Rous Marten) occupied the chair, and the following members were present : —Messrs Allen, Clere, Gray, Robertson, Duncan, lunes, Morris, aud Taylor. Messrs Clere and Duncan, the new members of Committee, took their eeats for the first time. A vacancy on the tho Committee still remaining was rilled by the election of Mr McMorran. A question arose as to the long delay in winding up the accounts concerning the sale of the Athenaeum property, and after some discussion the mattsr was referred to the President and Secretary, with power to act. The delay in paying off the debentures also came under review, and a resolution was passed requesting the trustees to take prompt and vigorous steps toward bringing the matter to a final settlement. Several aocounts were passed and the meeting then adjourned. When Thomas Fitzpatrick (formerly a lodginghouse-beeper in Wellington) was called o'u for public examination at the adjourned meeting of the Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, Mr Fitzherbert, counsel for the bankrupt, asked for a further adjournment till the next sitting, explaining that the bankrupt had written to him stating that he would be here by the 12th instant, and asking for an adjournment. Apparently he thought the adjournment would be granted, for he had not come to Wellington. Mr Menteath (who appeared for several credi. tors) objected to the adjournment, pointing out that the creditors and their witnesses were in attendance at some trouble, and that tho matter was adjourned from tho December sitting, at the bankrupt’s own request. Mr Fitzherbert said he would endeavour to have the bankrupt in attendance on any day the Chief Justice would fix. His Honor then adjourned the case till 10 o’clock on Monday.

The Board of Trade returns for the month of November, arid the eleven months inclusive, of the trade of the United Kingdom are very favourable. Briefly stated, the exports for November of Home produce and manufacture amounted to £19,794,680, against the same month last year, £19,177,361 ; leaving a balance in favour of this month of £617,319. The import side shows a still greater amount of foreign trade in this November. The total of pro. duce and manufactures imported was £35,223,935, against the previous November, £32,850,321 ; leaving a surplus for the past mouth of £2,373,614, or over 6J per cent inorease on ihe November preceding. For tlio 11 months the exports are £214,919,728, last year to same date, £201,012,976, showing an increased export this year of £13,906,752, or about 6J per cent on the amount of business done. The imports for the 11 months were valued at £348,785,401 ; last year up to the same date, £327, 761,038 ; leaving an increase of imports amounting to £21,024,363, or about 6 per cent on the trade done during that period.