NEWS OF THE DAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2529, 7 June 1895, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

, The mails brought to tho Bluff by tho Taliine should arrive boro this morning by the Takapuna. - . A sum of about J!2O will be handod over to tho Trustees of the Home for the Aged Needy as their share of the proceeds of the second performance of “ The Guv’aor,” which was given in aid of tho institution and the widow of the late -William James. Tho Trustees yesterday passed a hearty vote of thanks to the promoters cf the benefit and the ladies aud gentleman who took part in tho performance.

Sir Robert Stout returned to Wellington from tho South by tho s.s. Eotomahaua yesterday morning. A daring till robbery was perpetrated in Tory street Last night, at a shop occupied by Mrs Johnson, While she was absent from the shop a man entered, and going behind tho counter began to annex tho contents. Hearing the noise Mrs Johnson went into tho shop, when tho follow, whom she is unable to describe, immediately jumped over tho counter and made off with the till and contents,

The following appointments iu the Customs Department aro . gazetted Alfred Collie, cadet, Dunedin; Vincent R. S. Meredith, cadet, Wellington; W. G. D. Grant, cadet, Auckland; P. C. J. Pantbam, cadet, Christchurch. Tho, mortal remains of the late Alexander McCarthy were committed to their last resting place in tho Catholic-Cemetery above the Terraco yesterday afternoon. There was a largo funeral cortege,- amongst those present being Messrs L. Stowe (Clerk of Parliament), A. W. Bothamley (Assistant Clerk Legislative Council) and H. Otterson (Clerk Assistant House of Representatives), together with a number of other officers of tho House, members of tho. Civil Service and old colonists.' ‘ Fathers Dbvo'y aud Hickson were also amongst tho mourners. Father Ainsworth conducted the* services at the.church (St. Mary of the Angels') and fit the grave. At tho church tho organist played tfio Dead March iu “ Saul,” some of the deceased’s family being members of the choir.* A number of* wreaths wero sont, including one from Major Campbell (late Clerk of the House of Representatives) and one from Mr and Mrs E. D. O’Rbrke/of Auckland. At the Supremo Court -yesterday Michael Knight was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for false pretences, and Frederick ,-Maryott, was sentenced , to six months’ 'imprisonment for the theft of jewellery from the Masonic Hotel. Thomas Edward Mclntosh, charged with attempting to murder a Maoriuamcd Mntu Aperahama 'at Paikakariki, .was acquitted. The cases to be taken to-day will bo thpse of Charles H. Perry and George William Stead, attempted theft; Walter Ugden, forgery ; and John P. L. Donovan, theft. These cases conclude the calendar with the exception of the charge pf wilful murder, against Charles Nicholson, which has-boon fixed for Monday. Tho, outcome of the charge of bigamy preferred against. Charles ‘Vy'aters, oyster saloonkeeper, of Cuba street, is that Mrs Jane Russell, widow, sues film. tor "j§2oo damages for inducing her by false pretences to go through tfio marriago ceremony with him. Tho cash was called on ip tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday, and adjourned to the 13th instant. Mr Jolliooe appeared for tljo plaintiff, aud Mr Skerrott for the defendant.

Throe drunkards woro fined Ss each by Mr Martin, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. . An interesting ease was hoard by Mr Martin, S.M., yesterday, being a claim by Alfred Cooper against Denton B. Duncan, for broach of an implied . contract. In March last defendant contracted to sublease to the plaintiff a section of land at Wellington for 19 years. When tho lease had been executed, and tho plaintiff had taken possession of the laud. it was found that defendant had no registered title, and that there was already on the register an unexpired lease to Mr Alexander Johnson. The plaintiff therefore sought to recover 4180 damages for the broach of au implied contract, to grant a valid leaso and deduce a good title. His Worship reserved his decision. Mr * Jolliooe, instructed by Mr Thompson, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Skerrett for the defendant, Tho portrait of Mr H. D. Bell, M.H.K., has now been added to the list of photos of ex-Mayers in tho Council : Chamber. MiBell in a letter to the Council explained that ho had bad an oil painting executed by a ; Canterbury artist, but it was not altogether satisfactory. This was the reason of the .delay, Inter on ho would exchange the phdtogragfi for another oil painting which he proposed.tp have done, An inqqegt on tho body of the infant son of ‘Sarah Ann McMillan, which was found dead in bed beside its; mother oh Wednesday morning, was field. akKardci yesterday afternoon before the Coroner and a jury, of which Mr S. Lancaster was foreman. :* Dr Tripe, who’ had ** made a postmortem examination of tfio body, stated, in his opinion, the. child had been accidentallysmothered by the bad-olothes, and tho jury returned ft yerdiot accordingly,, - -

The Catholic " Social ” held hast night iu the Skating Rink, “in aid of Christian education,” was a pronounced success, the whole of tho sitting accommodation beingtaken up. The first part of the programme consisted of an exhibition by limelight ol 21 band-painted views, illustrative of episodes from Dickens’ "Old Curiosity Shop.” The Rev Father Goggau delivered tho connective readings explanatory of tho pictures, which dealt with the wanderings and death of Little Nell aud her grandfather. At tho close of the exhibition (9 o’clock) the floor was cleared and dancing began, and was kept up with spirit until midnight. Messrs R. C. Holcroft and T. Davis acted as masters of ceremonies, and Woodmass’ Band discoursed the incidental music. The piano was lent by the Dresden Company.

A proclamation appears in tho Gazette announcing tho land to bo taken in the Kilbirnio North and South Blocks for the sewer from KUbirnie to the sea beyond lluo-ti-Taka.

A special caso concerning the validity of a title was begun before Mr Justice Richmond at a sitting of tho Supreme Court in Banco yesterday. The facts wore that in May, 1899, certain lands, including Section 6, Block 4, Hawera Survey District, Taranaki, were sot apart for selection. Robert Carmichael became the successful applicant for the section named, and was declared so at tho meeting of the Taranaki Land Hoard ou the 28th July, 1890. At the same meeting Carmichael applied for leave to transfer his interest to Mrs Alice Riddiford, which was granted. Mrs Riddiford entered into possession of tho section and made improvements, her lease being registered at the Land Office in January, 1891. After Mrs Riddiford had carried out the whole of tho required improvements, her title was questioned, and tho Court was now askod to decide tho point as to its validity or otherwise. After some argument had taken place the further bearing of the caso had to bo -postponed sine die in consequence of a technical difficulty. Dr Findlay and Mr Skerrott appeared for tfio Crown, and Mr W. B. Edwards for Mrs Riddiford.

At a meeting of tho Bahiatua Borough Council, it was resolved that the AuditorGeneral bo informed that in consequence of tho increase in tho value of tho borough for the year 1805-96 tho special rata to pay interest on Mangatainoka bridge loan will require to bo only 2id instead of 3d, tho rate made when tho loan was carried, and that bo bo asked to allow tho rate to bo diminished accordingly. Tho caso of H. Ashworth, expressman, v. R. Martin, painter, in which tbo plaintiff claimed A 250 damages for injuries alleged to have been caused through a collision with a vehicle driven by ouo of the defendant’s employees, was concluded before Mr Justice Richmond yesterday. His Honor said the plaintiff had not made out a case of negligence. It was impossible not to feel regret for the plaintiff, who bad to depend on his own bodily strength for his living, and had suffered very severe injuries. However, as tho plaintiff was not legally liable, the Court could not make him compensate. for them. His Honor entered up judgment for tho defendant, with costs, and certified to a two days’ trial. Mr M. Chapman represented the plaintiff, and Mr W. B. Edwards tho defendant. The annual balance-sheet of the Corporation is to be considered at an adjourned special meeting of the City. Council, to be held ou Thursday, 20th inst., at 7.30 p.m.

The annual meeting of the IVellington branch of tho Institute of Journalists takes place ou Tuesday afternoon next. The annual report, which was adopted at a moetin"- of the committee yesterday, congratulates the members upon “tho steady,though naturally anything but rapid progress of the branch.” During tho year one member resigned and seven (including a junior associate) joined, making the nominal strength 50 as against 51 last year, but then there are several members out of compliance. No levy had been made on the funds during the year for the relief of any member, but two impecunious pressmen from other parts of the colonies (not members of the Institute) received small advances to enable them to proceed elsewhere. Reference is made to the demise of tho Evening Press, and to tho annual “ social ” of the branch. Mr Gillon had signified that he would not seek re-election as chairman, and had nominated Mr Atack as his successor, Mr R. C. Harding nominated Mr R. A. Longlinan, but Mr Lougbnan declined to stand, being indisposed to oppose tbo retiring chairman’s nomination. Mr Atack was, therefore, in the absence of any other nomination ipsa facto elected, and on tho same ground Mr Hott stands elected as bon treasurer. There is a balance in hand of JUT 5s 7d. On tho motion of Mr Alack it was resolved to express regret at Mr Gillen’s retirement from the chair, as well as sympathy with him in the cause of his retirement, and to thank him for past services. The Town Clerk has received a circular from the Colonial Secretary stating that a voucher for JJSS 4s 3d has been approved for payment to the Corporation bank account, being half the difference between tbo cost of tho licensing elections in 1891 and 1894. 1

A memorial bearing the signaturos of 22 carters was read at the. meeting of the City Council last night, stating that they wore of opinion that the shelter sheds erected by the Council in front of the General Post Olfioo were well adapted for the purpose intended. They had long felt the want of a place where they could obtain some kind of .shelter for t themselves aud their horses, aud in this respect the sheds would be a real boon to them. They had’ walked through them when the wind had been blowing strongly, from the southeast, and they found thai the force of tho wind was much less than iu the open streets. The memorialists desired to thank the Council for erecting tho sheds, and trusted that the Council would cause them to bo opened for use as soon as.possible. Councillor Tatum suggested that accommodation should bo provided in the sheds for tho porters.

The monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Homo for tho Aged Needy was hold yesterday, Present Messrs 'VYilleston (chairman), J. E, Smith, F. 11. Fraser, T. W. McKenzie, J. Danks. Accounts amounting to J!32 wore passed for payment, A quantity of routine business., was transacted, and the meeting adjourned. The Wellington Guards’ wore inspected at the Drillshod last night by. .LieutenantColonel Ncwall. There wero 50 men present under Captain Paterson and Lieutenants J. Duthio and Harcourt, SergeantMajor Finn exorcised the company--for some time in tho new bayonet exorcise, and! thereafter the company fell out while .Captain Paterson drilled a squad of 10,men in. a competition for the best drill. The men were severely tested, and the* judges—the two subalterns—had some difficulty in deciding, but ultimately Corporal Thawley was awarded tho first prize (the captain’s) and Private, James the second (Sergeant Stephens’).. The company having been reformed, was thou , addressed by Colonel Nowall. After parade the company appointed a committee to arrange for the annual ball. The - committee afterwards fixed on 2nd July as a suitablo;dato..

Entries for, the usual handicap tournament of the Wellington Chess Club will closo to-night at tho club-room, -Play will commence on Tuesday next. At tbo conclusion of the tournament another will be hold, which’ will "bo confined to particular qpeniiigs. Mr F. W. Jones, Lambton quay, intends to offer a special-prizo for competition in, tips tourney), wfiiqh will no doubt create a good deal of interest. , The Npw Zealand Electrical Syndicate fias drawn the attention of the City Council to tho fact that tfi’e largo trees at tho back of Mrs fiouso in Grant read are a continual source of danger tq : the electric light wires. On three occasions lately the wires bad been, broken down by falling braff c kes. Mr A. I. Suck-ling-Baron, in a letter read at the meeting of tho City Council last night, asked that tho times' b.o out quite clear .as soon as possible, as, if they were, not, they must’ bold tbe Connell responsible for any accident that may occur tfirough breakages in the wires. Councillor Anderson, moved tbaf- the trees bo out down. Councillor Barber seconded tbia,, . is an amendment. Councillor Fraser moved that the Scenery Preservation Society bo communicated with. - Councillor Harcourt seconded the aniendment, suggesting that it would bo sufficient to cut: off the branches. The amendment was lost, and on being put the motion was also lost on tbe casting vote of the.. Mayor, who said that, although in favour of tho trees being out down, ho bad decided to give, his easting vote to leave things os they aro. Ho would invariably follow this rule iu exercising. his casting vote.;

The popularity of Mr A. H. Gee as a singer is so great that there is almost sure to be a “record house” nt the Skating Rink next Wednesday, when ho makes his re-appearance before tho Wellington public. The services of Mr Maughan Barnett,* the solo pianist, • have been secured by the management for the occasion. Mr W. J. Neman waited upon tho City Council last night in '* reference to the refusal of tho Inspector,of Vehicles (Mr J. Doyle) to issue to has son, aged 18. Mr Doyle stated that he had refused the license because he did not thinkl tho lad*,was physically capable of acting as a ’ driver. The Council subsequently referred the matter to tho Public Works Committee.

The condition of the footpaths and Crossings in wet weather was brought up nithe njeetiug of the City Council last night; and it was decided, on the'motion of Councillor, De.vine,. tfiat .’during the remainder of tho wiijtor months,the footpaths and crossings from Courtenay place to tbo Government Building? be swept d.ailj’, - - • : ;

The Librarian, in bis monthly report of the Free Library, states that the number of subscribers to tbo lending branch increased steadily during tho month of May, and now stood at 617. Tho number of books issued in this department during tbo month, including renewals, was 3101, au increase of 518 ou the preceding month. The numbers in the different classes were as follow Theology aud philosophy, 17 ; histoiy and biography, 102 ; voyages, travels and ethnography, 78; social and political topics, 1-4; sciences aud arts, 47; miscellaneous, S 4; fiction, 2759. In the reference department, the number of works issued was 923, divided among the various classes as follows; —Theology, 53 ; mythology and folklore, 2; philosophy, 14; society, 100; geography, 117 ; history, 70 ; archaeology, 15; science, 93; arts and trades, 152; literature aud philology, 275; official works, 15. The following members of licensing committees have been appointed by tbo Governor:—lnangahua, Mr John McQuillan, rice MrW. P. Hall; Franklin, Mr Samuel Hodge, rice Mr J. Smith; Thames. Mr A. R.H. Siviudloy, vice Mr T. Hammond; Eangltata, Mr Thomas Taylor, vice Mr D. Thomas.

At a sitting of the Divorce Court yesterday, before Mr Justice Richmond, Win R. Goodman, of Motueka, Nelson, applied for a dissolution of his marriago with Emily Goodman, on the ground of adultery. Tho petitioner was represented by Mr W. B. Edwards, but there was no appearance of the respondent. The jietitiouer gave evidence that he was married in Wanganui in 1870, and the issue of the marriago was five children, four of whom were still living. . lie stated that his wife eloped from Auckland in 1385 with a man named Clifford, with whom she was now living. His Honor granted a decree nisi, but declined to grant costs. The usual weekly meeting of the Trades Council was htdd last night, tho President (Mr Allan Ward) being in the chair. It was decided to send a letter to Mr Beauchamp, congratulating him upon his election to tho Harbour Board. It was also resolved to join as a body tbo Ward Reception Committee, and tbo Council then adjourned in order to attend the meeting of tho Reception Committee.

=, A case of considerable interest to employers and employees came before Mr Martin, S.M., yesterday. Messrs Stewart and Co. sued P. AV. Colo, who had formerly been in their employ, for goods amounting in value to J 129 3s 9d, the claim being reduced to AO 14s 9d after allowing a set off, chiefly composed of deductions from wages, amounting to £22 9s. Dr Findlay .submitted that the plaintiffs must be nonsuited, seeing that the claim was in contravention of clause 7 of the Truck Act, 1891, which, provides that no employer shall be entitled to maintain any action in any Court against any workman for or in respect of any goods sold, delivered or supplied to snob , workman at any shop, store, house or promises kept by or belonging to such employer. Ho also intimated that tbe defendant was entitled to a return of the wages which bad boon deducted, and that tho set off in the plaintiffs’ statement of claim was illegal under section 6 of the Truck Act. After hearing argument, Mr Martin uphold this contention, and nonsuited tbe plaintiffs with Jvl Is costs. Mr Hislop appeared for tho plaintiffs.*-. “The * Strategist” was repeated last night at the Opera House before a very good audience.. The performance was very, smooth, the scenes are woil set, and tbo various situations, proved highly effective, tho audience testifying their thorough appreciation in very cordial and frequent applause. To-night "The Strategist ” will bo given for the last time, a sensational melodrama entitled "Fighting Fortune” being “ billed ” for to-morrow night. A matter of considerable importance in reference to tho conversion of tbe municipal loans will ho considered at a meeting of tho Finance Committee of the Council next week. The Mayor is .nowina position to lay full particulars before the com; mittee. If tbe Bill, to-be introduced by the Government noxt session, is not considered suitable the aid of tho Government will be sought to put in a clause to meet tho wishes of the Council, or frame a Bill especially to meet the case. The Mayor stated last night that something definite would be laid before tho Council at its noxt meeting. i . The Corporation has commenced proceedings against the Government to decide which of tbo parties is liable for tbo maintenance of tho extension of Bunny street from Foatherstou street to Waterloo quay, and tbo extension' of Davis street from Thorndon quay to the sea. Mr T. I‘V Martin, City Solicitor, is acting for tho Corporation, and Mr H. Gully, Crowa Solicitor, for the Government.

Mr Martin, S.M., gave judgments for plaintiffs in the following civil oases at tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday Empire. Loan Company v. D. McCarthy and T, Burke, 47 IGs, costs 13s ; C; AV.-Brodio v. E. 11, and Jane Bnckeridge, 434 12s Gil, costs 44 10s; Stewart and Co. v. A. Sowman, 42-2 s Gd, costs Gs ; saino, v. S. Geary, 41 9s 9d, costs Os. Defended cases :—J. B. Harcoiu t v. C. Baker, claim 430 12s Gd, commission on sale of property; judgment for’plaintiff for amount claimed. K. J. Dempsey v. AY. B. Hugo, claim 47 10s ;' judgment -for-.plaintiff-for* 12s 10d; with 0s costs. Mr Skerrett for defendant. M. Roulston v. R. P. AVarmiugtdn, claim 4G2 10s 3d ; judgment for plaintiff tor amount claimed with 46 2s costs. Mr Boero for plaintiff. Dr Smylie for defendant.. AYolliugton .Biscuit. Company v. C. Hodge, claim 417 3s Bd. Judgment for plain!.ilLi, for whom Mr Young appeared, for amount claimed with 42 ; 9s,costs, i Mr. AVylie appoared’for tho defendant. H. E. Duffy v. W. Standon, claim los 4d. Judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed with Gs costs. Mr J. Smith, jun., tbe newly-elected councillor for To Aro Ward, was heartily welcomed by the Mayor on behalf of tho City Councillors at tho meeting of tho Council last night. His. AYorship said Mr Smith did not come to tho Council inexperienced as, some of them -had done, he having served an apprenticeship in tho Council. Councillor Smith returned thanks, and said he had no doubt that ho and the other councillors would work amicably together for the advancement of the city.

The ■ Corporation bank account was as follows, at tho end of last mouth;—Or. balance city improvements loan account, 485G0 Ss 4d ; dr. balance general account, 418,438 4-s 9d; dr. balance drainage loan account, 4105,732 3a 7d‘; dr. balance Cemetery account, 4830 3s . Id; dr. balance To Aro reclamation account, 45189 2s 4d.

The officials of tho AVollington Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Society have for a considerable time past been busy iu preparing for the thirteenth annual show, which is to take place in the Skating Rink on tho 18th, 19th and 20th July, and there is every reason to expect that the show will prove even a: greater success than its forerunners. ;The New Zealand Championship Meeting will bo held in connection with the show, and for it no fewer than 40 gold medals have been allotted; Mr R. E. Bannister, secretary, will supply intending exhibitors with any information concerning tho show. ..This Society has done much to improve the various breeds of poultry, pigeons and : canaries in Wellington, aud is deserving of every encouragement. , The Tivoli Company will not appear tonight, in order, that the company may be reorganised, to reappear with now artistes to-morrow night. Mr AY. Tyree, tho well-known Nelson photographer, has decided upon a plan to bring tho natural beauties of the West Coast of the South Island under the notice of tra-tollers, and in this he. deserves every success. Mr Tyree, has - the , negatives of about 5000 different views of gorge aud bush and mining district scenery at his .command; and lie' is arranging thosefor exhibition- iir large and handsome frames, and fixing terms with business people for tho exhibition of tbe views in their warehouse?, together with advertisements of their businessosj afid;,also presenting similar frames to museums and other -public institutions. Specimen frames aro oh view at IJiXI and Sons’ shop and the Dresden Music Warehouse, and have attracted considerable attention. Mr Tyroo says that the scenery to be met with in tho Biiller Gorge far surpasses much that is highly praised iu other parts of Now Zealand ; and as the diversion of the tourist traffic;in the direction ho proposes would be of considerable advantago to Wellington people, he should meet with ready encouragement from tradesmen and tbe public generally. Tho first visit of tho school children to tho Now Zealand Candle Company’s works at Kaiwarra is to take place on AVednesday next, Ifrom 1.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Saturday visits start from tho 15th, and tho hours are to bo from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon.’ Instrumentalists (strings only) who will assist■ in the performance by the Festival Choral Society of “ St. Paul” iu aid of tho Hospital are requested to attend rehearsal tl>ia evening, at 8 o'clock. A full attendance of the chorus is particularly urgent. The Columbia Rink is to bo open for skating to-night. A. G. Taine and Co. sell furniture to-day at; 2 o’clock, including tho contents of a sixroomed house. -ToWnsend and Paul sell a largo quantity of fruit and vegetables at 9 a.m. sharp to-day. The new tariff at tho Trooadoro is announced. ■ -! A valuable farm in tho Blenheim district is advertised for sale. Particulars may, be bad from Harcourt and Co. Notieo is given of a call of one halfpenny per ..share in tbe Wakamarina Golden Bar Goldmiuing Company. Tenders are invited by T. S. Lambert, architect, for the erection of a residence in Buffer street. I. -n,Laery and Go. sell roses, ornamental and flowering* plfifltoi , to-morrow, at II o’clock,

At their rooms this afternoon, at half-past 2 o'clock,* T. Kennedy Macdonald and 00., Limited, submit to public auction ono of the finest private collections of oil paintings and water colours which have been offered for a considerable time. All the pictures are by well-known English and colonial aritsts, and comprise some admirable examples lof great value. Catalogues have beau issued, and may be had en application to the auctioneers.

Walccr Brown, machinery store, Featberston street, invites immediate offers for ft number of engines and boilers, to bo sold at prices that cannot ordinarily bo looked at. Consignees are requested to take delivery of cargo by the Star of England.