NEWS OF THE DAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVI, Issue 2290, 22 August 1894, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill has become law, the Legislative Council giving way on their amendments dissented from by the Lower House. Last night the Land for Settlements Bill was passed by the House of Representatives. The Wellington Drainage Bill was read a third time and passed before the House adjourned yesterday morning-. The Harbours Act Amendment Bill has been read a second time by the Legislative Connell. On the fourth page will be found an article entitled “ Oddfellowship—Past and Present,” and comments on current topics under the heading of ” Here and There.” Captain Graham, of H.M.S. Wallaroo, is to supervise the examinations in torpedo work of the local Torpedo Corps. It was stated at yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Trustees thatduriug July 178 pints of wine, spirits and malt liquors had been served out to 27patients, being at the rate of about 6) pints per head. The Council of the Chamber of Commerce mot yesterday afternoon. Two new members—Messrs C. W. Mullins and C. Stewart—were elected. It was decided to hold the next quarterly meeting on the 11th September.

Amongst the passengers by the Ruapehu were Mr W. Courtney, of New Plymouth, and his party of 118 intending settlers for the Taranaki district. The immigrants are mostly men under 27 years of age. A number of them will take up land at once. The party will leave by tills morning’s train for Now [Plymouth, The New Zealand Shipping Company have made arrangements with the Railway Commissioners for the immigrants to break the journey at Wanganui, so that they may have an opportunity of seeing the country. About half-past 8 o’clock yesterday morning a horse and cart belonging to Mr R. Duignan were knocked down by a train while crossing the railway line near the N.Z.L. and M. Agency Company’s premises. The horse was slightly bruised, but very little damage was done to the cart, and the driver escaped by jumping off the vehicle just before the train touched it.

The Minister for Public Works has informed the Council of the Chamber of Commerce that the question of the purchase of the Manawatu Railway by the Government will be considered by the Cabinet, and the Council decided, yesterday, to ask the Minister to let them know the Cabinet’s decision on the subject.

An inquest on the remains of Henry Burgess, whoso dead body was found in the harbour on Monday evening, was held at the Morgue yesterday afternoon before Mr Ashcroft, coroner, and a jury of which Mr P. G. Ritchie was foreman. The evidence showed that deceased had been out of work for about six months, and that he was at times despondent. He was 45 years of age. The jury returned -a verdict of found drowned.

The Treasurer has informed the Council of the Chamber of Commerce that the Government intend introducing a Bill to extend the time for the payment of the bonus for beet sugar for 15 years and also to increase the amount of the bonus.

The "Wellington creditors in the estate of Ah Ghee Kin, storekeeper, of Manakau, are as follow: —Nathan and Co., £129 3s ; Briscoe, Mac Neil and Co., £lO2 8s 9d; Ross and Glondining, £B2 3s 4d; Allan Carmont, £45 9s 8d; E. W. Mills and Co., £4O 12s 4d; Abbott, Oram and Co., £2B 8s 10d; Lattey, Livermore and Co., £l9 7s 8d; E. Reeves and Co., £lB 4s 7d; Scotland and Co., £ll 2s-4d; G. H. Thorn ten, £lO Is lid; G. Thomas and Co., £6 10s 7dj G. Dutton, £5 6s 6d ; E. H. Crease, £5 Ils Id. The total liabilities amount to £760 12s Bd, and the assets to £BBO, the latter consisting of book debts (£464 7s lOd) estimated to produce £l5O ; cash paid to Mr W. Tompsitt under deed of assignment, £230, and interest in leasehold store at Manakau, £IOO. A meeting of creditors in the estate was held in the Official Assignee’s office yesterday afternoon, Mr J. Ashcroft presiding. On the motion of Mr L. Nathan, seconded by Mr Stringer, it was decided that ” this meeting consents to the estate being administered by the Assignee in bankruptcy, and requests Mr Tompsitt (to whom the debtor had assigned his estate) to hand the assets over, on the other creditors consenting to release him.” It was also resolved on the motion of Mr Stringer, seconded by Mr E. Reeves, that the action of the trustee so far be sustained, and that he be allowed commission on assets realised and expenses incurred, and that the bankrupt be paid £1 for expenses. The meeting then adjourned until Tuesday next at 3 p.m. At a meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, a letter from the Railway Commissioners was read promising consideration of the question of the earlier departure and arrival of the Manawatu train. It was decided to ask the Commissioners to inform tho Council of the result of their consideration of the subject.

Yesterday nJorning-, His Sdddf Hr Justice Eichrfond fr;> yd ji Winnie lit oh the rfSntejcf ia’f fdiseu Before trial in the case o£ ±l. Wilson v. Kirkoaidie and another, ah action for damages and for taking partnership accounts. His Honor held that the partnership alleged tinder mlb-cladse E of part? nfthe atliOndOd statement of claipi (jirdvidihg that the ] ; nrtilei c Kip should continue,sO long as the Business —that of the V'cllihaten Bacon Curing Company— Vtts profitable) was a partnership for a fixed term, and that the plaintiff was entitled to some damages ou the facts disclosed in the amended statement of claim. His Honor made an order for taking accounts by the .Registrar, and the question of costs of the motion was reserved. 3ir J. P. Campbell received judgment for tho plaintiff: arid Air T. F. Martin for the defefidant.

But for experiencing a strong S.W. gale on Sunday, H.M.S. Wallaroo,which arrived from Auckland on Monday night, would have made a very fast trip. For the first four hours she maintained a speed of 10'S knots per hour, slackening afterwards to 15 and 14 knots, but then the gale sprang up she was eased down: The warship was berthed at the Railway Wharf during the morning; She will remain iiere for about a fortnight) and then proceed to Akaroa and Lyttelton. The full programme of the proceedings in connection with the Eight Hours Demonstration Day, which is to be celebrated on October 10th, is advertised in another column, and there appears to bo every prospect of the affair being a great success. The proceedings will commence with a grand procession of the various trades and unions, accompanied by bands, leaving the Government Buildings en route for the Basin Reserve at 9.30 a.m. On arrival at the Reserve the sports will commence, and the Sports Committee are certainly to be congratulated orl having prepared a most attractive programme of events. The chief feature of the racing will, of course, be the Eight Hours Demonstration Handicap, of 100yds, 220yds, 440yds and 880yds. In each event the prizes will bo dS3 10s, £2, and 10s, and the Bland Holt Cup will go to the competitor gaining the greatest number of points. Should a tie occur, it will be decided by running off at 100yds. Another feature of the programme is the Eight Hours Demonstration Bicycle Handicap) distances, one, three and five miles, for trophies valued at <£3 10s, £2 and 10s. A cup, which must be won two years in succession or three times at intervals, and which is to bo held by tho Committee until finally won, will go to the winner of the greatest number of points. Winners in these events will have the privilege of choosing their own trophies. There are also trades races, hurdle handicaps, walking handicap, wrestling competition, a high jump event, mile handicap, &0., and a very pleasant day’s sport may be anticipated. In the evening a grand concert will bo held at the Opera House, for which a varied programme is being arranged, and the usual art union will also be held in connection with the demonstration.

The Wellington district members of the Incorporated Institute of Accountants of New Zealand are Wellington. Messrs D. T. Stuart, C. P. Powles, A. J. McTayish, H. Kember (original members), J. E. Fitzgerald, F. Allen, G. 11. Harbroe, W. R. Cook, W. Nodin, J. H. Richardson, W. B. Hudson. M. Pox, R. J. Todd, F. G. Odell, A. Kember and G. E. Tolhurst; Wanganui, E. N. Liftiton, H. E. Tilley, W. Eodwell.: Greytown, P. H. Wood ; Palmerston North, Messrs G. J. Scott and G. Hirsch.

In the Supreme Court to-day tho cases of Locher v. Hewlett and others, an action for specific performance, and Margaret Donnelly v. F. J. Pinny, a claim of .£2Ol as damages for breaking and entering, will be heard, tho latter before a special jury of four.

The Trustees of the Benevolent Institution held their weekly meeting yesterday afternoon. Present —Rev H. Van Staveren (chairman) and Messrs Wiileston, McKenzie, Heaton, Kebbell and Baylis. A woman, with a sick husband and three children applied for relief, saying she herself could only earn about 7s a week. The Trustees allowed her rations and os a week for a fortnight. A one-armed man of very respectable appearance came before the Trustees, saying he had been in Wellington for about eleven months. He had only had a little work to do, and had been turned out of his lodgings. He was sent to the Home. An old man applied for relief, saying he had been in the colonies for 42 years and was unable to work. Ho was 70 years of age. The Trustees decided to send him to the Home. Two other men who were unable to work were accommodated at the same institution. A woman applied for relief for herself and children. She said she bad been employed as a canvasser, but was unable to make a living at it. Her husband was in Sydney but was out of work. She was allowed 5s a _ week and fuel. An elderly woman, who said she was “ suffering from asthma in her hands and feet,” was granted 5s a week towards her rent. Several other deserving cases were relieved.

Messrs Buchanan, Harrington and Macey, formerly of the Tekoa, are now first, second and fourth officers of the Ruapehu, and Mr Rodgers, also late of the Tekoa, is now third engineer of the Ruapehu.

The Hospital Trustees held their fortnightly meeting yesterday; present Messrs E. H. Fraser (chairman), G. Allen, C. E. Willeston, L. L. Harris, R. C. Kirk, J, Banks, J. Collins and Rev H. Yan Stavereu. The City Council were granted permission to erect a firo-hose reel station in Molesworth street, p-nvided the Council do not erect a firebell la .-re. Tm-oe months’ leave of absence was granted to Nurses Odell and Brown, who have been suffering from influenza. Authority was given to the matron to procure a quantity of material. The Inangahua Charitable Aid Board wrote thanking the Trustees for the attention which a West Coaster had experienced in the Wellington Hospital. The tender of Messrs Brown, Thomson and Co. was accepted forprinting the nurses’ certificates.

There are at present 75 inmates in the Benevolent Home —57 males and 18 females.

The New Zealand Shipping Company’s Ruapehu, which arrived from London via the usual way ports late on Monday night, brought the following passengers : —Misses Grayson and Williams, Messrs Elliott and Rheinschneider, and the original passengers from Home. She discharges about 900 tons of cargo at this port, and leaves to-morrow for Lyttelton, from which port she takes her final departure for England on the 6th September. She will take in a small quantity of wool, tallow, &c., at this port. The remains of the late Captain E. Johnson, of the Marine Department, were interred in their last resting place in the Bolton street Cemetery yesterday morning. Previous to the procession being formed, a short funeral service was performed by the Rev T. H. Sprott, incumbent of St. Paul’s, at the late residence of the deceased in Guildford terrace, in the presence of only the family of the deceased and a few of his most intimate friends. Then the oofiin was borne to St. Paul’s Church, the pallbearers being Captain Edwin, E.N., Captain Wheeler and Captain Kennedy, Eev H. E. Tuokey, and Messrs D. T. Stuart, H. Koch, H. J. H. Elliott and E. S. Ledger. The service, which was fully choral, was conducted by the Rev T. H. Sprott, and Mr R. Parker, organist, played funeral marches as the procession entered and left the church. A very large number of wreaths were sent by sorrowing friends and relatives, including one from the Marine Department, two being placed on the coffin. One of these was in the form of an anchor, made of camellias and violets, by the daughters of deceased, and a wreath in the shape of a heart, sent by Mrs W. N. Johnson, his daughter-in-law. Among those who paid a last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased were the heads of all the Government departments, the chief mourners being Messrs W. N. and C. G. Johnson (sons of the deceased). Dr Johnston, of Feilding (son-in-law), and Master J. Pym, of Melbourne.

The Government steamer Hinemoa returned from the Cook Strait lighthouses yesterday morning. She was taken on the Patent Slip for an overhaul during the morning. She comes off to-night and leaves for Pencarrow lighthouse to-mor-row, and on her usual tour of the Northern lighthouses on Friday.

A decree absolute in the divorce case of Hartley v. Hartley was granted by the Chief Justice yesterday, on the application of Mr T. W. Toung, who appeared for the petitioner. There was a “ breeze ” at yesterday"s meeting of the Trustees of the Benevolent Institution. The Chairman stated that a few days previously a woman who had been granted a month’s rations and rent came to the office and abused him, and he accordingly informed her that she would have to come every week for the order instead of receiving one order for the whole amount. Mr Heaton objected to this, and rose to ask liow it was the chairman had gone beyond the instructions of the Trustees. The Chairman said he hoped the Trustees would approve of his action, but Mr Heaton did not approve, and rose to say so. He was ordered by the chairman to sit down, but Mr Heaton declined to do so. Tho question of the chairman's right to act as he had explained was debated at some length, and ultimately his action was approved.

Tho stranded steamer Manaia has been successfully floated off the beach at Patea.

Six Leicester rams and four ewes from the flock of Mr Cross, Ayrshire, Scotland, which are to be forwarded to Mr A. H. Turnbull, of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Association, Lyttelton, arrived by the Ruapehu. The sheep, which were in good condition, were in charge of Mr A. Hanna, a passenger by the steamer.

The Gaiety Burlesque Company repeated their operatic burlesque “ Faust,” at tho Opera House last nightto a fairly large audience. The principal feature df the entertainment was the marvellous anlphibioils performances cf Professor Waller Beaitnloilt itfd daughters. In addition to sniokiilg, eating, drinking, playing cards, tHe professor performed the marvellous feat of staying under the water for eight minutes out of a. period of eight minutes seven seconds. His movements were carefully watched and timed by a committee of gentlemen on the stage. The acrobatic feats of tho Connor Bros, were neatly and cleverly done; and the proper went excellently throughout) the principal* lining repeatedly recalled; To-night the same prograirime will be repeated, when Professor Beaumont will give another of his aquatic exhibitions.

Another meeting of representatives of insurance companies to consider tho financial proposals of the Government relating to insurances companies was in the office of the Underwriters’ Association yesterday afternoon, but the result of the meeting has not been made public. At the Education Board building last evening, Mr W. H. Warren delivered a very interesting lecture entitled “ Shorthand up to date; or. Pitman from start to finish.” There was a good attendance. Mr E. T. Gillon, who occupied the chair, in briefly introducing the lecturer, referred to the objects of the Association. Mr Warren, in an able manner, reviewed Sir Isaac Pitman’s system of shorthand from the elementary stage to its present state of efficiency. At the close of the lecturer’s remarks, Mr Hustwick moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Warren, which was seconded by Mr H. N. McLeod, and carried unanimously. Tho chorus and orchestra of this year’s Handel Festival were made up as follow : —Chorus—733 sopranos, 707 contraltos, SG altos, 653 tenors, and 78S basses ; orchestra —ll4 first violins, 100 second violins, 66 violas, 80 violoncellos, 06 double basses, 13 flutes, 1 piccolo, 14 oboes, 0 clarionets, 11 bassoons, 2 double bassoons, 10 horns, 4 cornets, 4 trumpets, 9 trombones, 3 tubas, and 4 drum players. The second annual ball given by the Wellington College Old Boys’ Association was held in Thomas’ Hall last evening, when there were about 250 persons present. The guests were received by the Mayor (Mr A. do B. Brandon), who is_ an “ old boy” and president of the association, Mr J. P. Firth (Principal of the College), and Mrs Firth, the latter wearing a handsome black velvet dress trimmed with yellow silk (the colours of the College). The energetic lion secretaries, Messrs B. Meek and B. Wedde, worked untiringly to make tho ball a success, and they were well backed up by a committee consisting of Messrs B. Wallace, H. Thompson, A. Stuart andM. Luckie, the committee being in turn assisted by the chaperones, Mesdames Lee, Gibson, Hales, Seed, Wallace and Beid and Miss Hamilton (Principal of the Girls’ High School). Among tho guests were some of tho officers of H.M.S. Wallaroo. A very handsome drawingroom was decorated and furnished by Messrs Lawson, of Cuba street. Tho catering was in the hands of Mr J. Godber, and excellent music was supplied by Minifie’s String Band. The dancing hall was beautifully decorated with nikau palms, Ac., and the stage at tho end was handsomely furnished for the chaperones.

A meeting of the Musical Committee of the Caledonian Society was hold in the Exchange Buildings last night, when the details of the programme for the annual concert were settled. There will be twenty items, consisting entirely of national subjects, and including solos, choruses, dancing and orchestral items, while Mr A. S. Paterson will recite a piece now to a Wellington audience. Miss Fanny Martin, of Christchurch, and Miss Orr, of Martinborough, have been specially engaged, and two step-dancers are coming specially from Wanganui. There appears to be every prospect of the concert proving a great success.

The monthly reunion of the League of the Cross was held in St. Patrick’s Hall, Boulcott street, last night. There was a very large attendance of members and their friends, and a pleasant evening was spent. The Rev Father Goggan, president, occupied the chair, and an interesting address on temperance was given by the Very Rev Father Devoy. Vocal and instrumental selections were contributed by Mrs Taylor, Misses Curtice, Alice MoLaughlan, Segrief (2), Diedrich and Kearsley, and Messrs J. Kearsley, Griffin, J. Driscoll and Master McCarthy. At the conclusion of the programme the rev chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the Very Rev Father Devoy for his address, and in seconding it the Rev Father Mahony congratulated the League on their success, and spoke in terms of high praise of the manner in which the work was carried on. It was stated during the evening that the League has a membership of 212 males and 317 females, and that 34 males and 55 females had joined during the past month.

There was a fair attendance of skaters and spectators at the Columbia Skating Rink last night. Great preparations are being made by the management to make the fancy dress carnival, which is to be held on Tuesday next, a great success. Several handsome and valuable prizes are to be given, and judging by the interest taken in the carnival there should bo keen competition for them. The Rev Father Landouar, S.M., of Nelson, who has been assistant to the Rev Father Mahony for the past seven years, is, we are sorry to hear, very seriously ill from consumption, and is not expected to live. He is staying at the Presbytery, Boulcott street.

Mr C. Wilson delivered a very interesting lecture last evening in St. Andrew’s Church schoolroom, the subject being “ Novels and Novelists.” There was a good attendance, and the lecture, which proved to be a most interesting one, was highly appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks was tendered to the lecturer, who dealt with his subject in a masterly manner.

A grand organ recital, “ an evening with Handel and Haydn,” will he given in St. Peter’s Church on Thursday evening, August 30, by Mr Tallis Trimnell. Among the items to be given at the performance in aid of the Home for the Aged Needy will be the laughable farce ‘'Black Justice," which will be staged by Mr Kosh Arbeid and the local Fire Brigade. Slowly, but steadily, a considerable area in the Auckland province is being proved adapted for the culture of the orange tree, says the Herald. On several occasions of late we have noticed new evidences in this respect, as the trees planted several years ago are beginning to come into a bearing condition. Yesterday Mr John Watson, of Pukekohe, showed us a sample of oranges grown in his orchard. He states that ho has only five trees, and now wishes he had planted fifteen times that number. About seven years ago he bought and planted the trees, more as a matter of curiosity than with any serious intentions of getting them to bear fruit. He also admitted that for a time at least they were not attended to as they should have been, but last season they bore a few fruit to maturity. This year, however, a change is to be recorded, for he says the trees are literally loaded with excellent and good-sized fruit, loaded in a way that has astonished him. A largely-attended meeting of second-hand dealers was held in Mr Whitaker’s shop, Manners street, last night, for the purpose of discussing the provisions of the Bill affecting the trade now before Parliament. It was eventually decided to present a petition to Parliament, signed by all the second-hand dealers in Wellington, pointing out the great hardship which would be inflicted on the trade if the measure should become law.

At the Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, before Mr Martin, S.M., 'William Eobson, charged on remand with cruelly abusing a mare, was sentenced to two months’ hard labour. Daniel Munro, charged with stealing a chest of tea, was sent to gaol for one month. Isaac Wale, charged with driving a cart without lights after sunset, was ordered to pay 7s costs, and for leaving a cart standing in the street an unreasonable time, was fined 10s and ordered to pay 7s costs.

The powerful attractions of the Coolgardie goldfields are having the usual effect, as far away even as Hawke’s Bay. On Saturday and yesterday several of the outward passengers from this port, says the Herald, representing all ranks and conditions, were off to the mines to seek their fortunes.

A notice with reference to the will of the late Mr Eicbard Pronse appears elsewhere.

The full programme in connection Aitb the Eight Hours Demonstration will be foundfin our advertising columns. George Thomas and Co. will sell a quantity of bananas on the arrival of the Upolu on Thursday. A. G. Taino and Co. will sell a lot of valuable furniture at their rooms, at 2 p.m,, on August 21. Persons requiring a good butchery business should apply to A. G. Taine and Co., who have one for sale in Stratford.

A cream separator is advertised for sale by A. G. Taine and Co.

George Thomas and Co. will sell at 9 a.m. to-day, fruit from Sydney, also eggs and fowls from Nelson.

Henry Border, Foxton, has a hairdressing business for sale.

Persons requiring a first-class sheep run should refer to our advertisingcolumns, where one is advertised for sale. Abraham and Williams will sell at Colyton, on August 2Sth, sheep and cattle. George Themas and Co. have several kegs of pork sausage skins for sale. Potter and Son, boot importers, are offering special lines in gentlemen’s English boots, and real hand - sewn boots. They have just opened a shipment of infants’ tan and kid shoes. Four shillings to 6s in the pound discount are allowed off the whole stock.

Mr H. H. Metcalfe, A.M.1.C.E., civil engineer, 30, I'almorston Buildings, Auckland, notifies elsewhere that ho is prepared to draw plans and specifications and give estimates for waterworks, drainage works, bridges and fail Ways ill any part of tbo Colony/ Abraham mid Williams will sell at the Woodville Saleyards on August 20th, cattle and sbeCp. The Cash Auctioneering Company of Isew Plymouth have for sale a section of 103 acres of first-class bush land near Now Plymouth. A. G. Taine and Co. will soil a number of horses at their yards on Saturday.