LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3264, 22 October 1897, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A report of the proceedings at yesterday’s sitting of the Charitable Aid Conference and a budget of Palmerston ntbVs will be foiind on our back page. Some wdrlinion. while Cutting a road in tho Upper Maitai Valley, Kelson,, struck two very promising quartz leaders, which are to be tested.

The first consignment of butter from tho Norsewood Co-operative Factory, ab >ut one ton, has been placed In the Wellington cool stores, pending shipment i.'omo.

The only inobr’ato brought before tho Court yesterday was an individual whose dilapidated attire was of a nature quite foreign to that of a person who plunged into the giddy vortex of fashion. He was reprimanded and released.

Many Of ;he master bakers have accepted the agreement with tic Hikers’ Union which was drawn up as tho outcome of tho, recent dispute ; but as about 12 still decline the proposals, the subject is to brought before tho Board of Conciliation.

For tholeiso of a section of lift opposite the Public Library tho tender of Mr. W. Kvans, Timaru, has been accepted by the City Council at the upset price of 3U-. per foot. Ko tenders have been received for the lease of a section of land la Victoria street.

Tho punt at Fern Flat, in tho Inangahua district, broke away on Saturday with a buggy and throe horses and four men on board. The men narrowly escaped drowning by swimming ashore. Two horses wore drowned, and tho buggy was recovered, but was much damaged. After "discussing tho suggestions of tho Wellington Harbour Board, relative to the Wages Protection Act, now before Parliament, as it affects local authorities, the Now Plymouth Board has decided that it was inadvisable to interfere with tho present law, any further legislation being only likely to complicate matters. A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Henry H. 8. Fletcher, horse-trainer, Lower Hutt, was held yesterday at the offices of the Official Assignee. Tho debtor Was examined as to his position, and Mr Cudby, ths principal creditor, having expressed his willingness to take 10s in the pound, the meeting was adjourned sine die, A dispute concerning the alleged illegal seizure of a cart, horse and harness occupied some time in determining at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, tho plaintiff being C. lieustmandthe defendant Mrs Teresa Brigps. The total amount sued for was ,£35, which included a claim for damages. Judgment went for plaintiff for Xl4, coats Xll2s, and* solicitor’s fee XI Ca. Mr Skerrett represented plaintiff, Mr Gray appearing on the otter side.

A gold robbery was perpetrated in the Charleston district early on Sunday morning last, .£l7O worth of amalgam being taken from the Dublin City Claim, the result of two months* work. The work of crubhing Cement had been carried on at tho claim up to midnight on Salurday, and next morning the owners discovered that the copper plates with the amalgam adhering had been cut from tho boxes and removed. Charleston is said to be becoming notorious 1 for claim thieves.

The administration of the law relating to hospitals and charitable aid would appear to Rive general dissatisfaction at the present time, and a number of suggestions for amendments by Mr J 5. A. Mackeohnie were read before the Charitable Aid Conference yesterday. The principle which should guide and regulate the distribution of charitable aid was, in the opinion of the writer, to render charity beneficent and not injurious, and with this object it would, he be found expedient to * form a charity organisation society to establish co-operation among all charitable institutions and charitablydisposed persona and check imposition. Proper examining officers should bo appointed. The central society should bo under the management of the City Council, which would determine the actual amount required for charitable aid, fixing tho rate to be levied and receiving the Government subsidy, and tho sick poor could bo sent to the hospitals, tho committee paying the rate for each patient. The Act has, h© says, destroyed every sffort on tho part of tho charitably disposed. Those who supply money for charity desire to have the fact recognised, and in any amending Act it would be desirable to make provision for special privileges for voluntary subscribers —allowing their names to appear on tablets in some conspicuous part of the institution benefited, making them governors or life governors, or' allowing them to vote in the election of directors according to the amount subscribed. Hospitals should be inspected ly a Government inspector. Kvory county should be made a charitable aid district, and have its cottage hospital, where bad oases of fracture coaid be treated if the patient ; was not fit to be removed over long distances. • The writer also raised the question whether ] it might not ho well to have special wards for i patiepis willing to pay an extra fo?, I

Nine telephone bureaux have been opened in the Otago district this mouth. | An attempt is being made to re-establish an amateur operatic society in Christchurch. The item .£472103 to Mesara E. W. -Mills and vJo lor the steam roller w>s passed by the G*ty Council last night. The Palmer ion North Police Station 16 gazetted as a place sittings of the MagJSwrate’s Guhtt may be held. Tile incorporation of the Hukerenu* -Agricultural Association has been sanctioned by the Governor-in-Couucil and gazetted. Mr R. H. J. Hamlin, of Napier, carpenter, la applying for letters patent lor a pneumatic aubiuariue lift for raising sunken vessels and other bodies.

A quantity of first and second-class land at Makuri is to be thrown open for selection at tbo «Vehiugi-»n loUvnut Land Uffio* c>u »>od* nesday, the 27th lust.

The Karon Borough Council haa decided that Mr Ward shall call for tenders for the formation of the new main road, “and also for the roads to Creswick and Orangi-Kaupapa. The tender of Mr R, Gould, of the Hutt, haa been accepted for the supply of tvrino > to the General Post Office for a period extending from the Ist October, 1897, to 30th September, 1900.

The Wellington Garrison Band leaves for the South oa Friday next for the Oamaru contest. While in Christchurch the band will give a saerod concert before proceeding to Oamaru.

The visiting members of the Charitable Aid Conference are to be given a drive out to Ross’ Gardens by the < local members to-day. On returning they will be shown over the Wellington Hospital. The nest monthly meeting of the Wellington Harbour Board will be held on Tuesday, November 16th, the Agricultural and Pas*, toral Association’s show falling on the ordinary day, the 18th November. The secretary of the Shipmasters* Association haa written to the Westport Harbour Board concurring with the adverse opinion expressed by the Board regarding the harshness of the judgment in the Ybiande enquiry.

Wo havebeen requested to explain that the statement made U» tee Premier on Wednesday evening by a deputation from freezing works employees that “ at present the wages in the different departments only averaged from .£1 12s 6d to a week,” referred to unskilled labourers only. “ I won*t agree to the appointment of any more Government inspectors.” was Mr Bollard’s ultimatum at tee Charitable Aid Conference yesterday. “Every third man you meet is a Government inspector* and it is said that If the? all got U (Seat of luminous paint they would make the night as light as the day.” An adjournment was .yesterday applied for and granted in the case of Ellen Chaney, charged with the larceny of a diamond ring from Littlejohn and Son in July last. She is to be brought ud next Monday. Bail was fixed, accused in .£32 and two sureties of each or one in i>32, the exact value of the ring alleged to have been stolen-.

A meeting of the Varioila Sub-3ifnnuttees appointed by tho City Rifles to carry out all the arrangements for tho coming “social” to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the corps was held at the Drillahed last evening, it was reported that a large number of tickets had already boon sold. Plat ’a string band provides the musie. The '‘social” takes plaHe at llloifias’ Hill Oh MeHdAy, Ist Mdveihti'or.

The Afistraliau _AUiaioo AosfttihOe Company hold its 3Jtn ajllilU! thhetiftg at Melbourne 6a the September, when tho bfilaneo-elibot was presented to shareholders. The amount at credit of profit and loss for the year’s operations was £28,221 9s, and after payment of tho usual dividend di11,921 9s was carried forward. The reserve fund stands at £110,900. Mr A, Ei ICorhOt controls the Company’s MaLnesi In this district.

A liidgihont debtor at GoUrt yesterday Stated that; although there appeared to be plenty of building going oh in Wellington, he had been unable id obtain work ah carpenter His inbolhe during the last five months averaged only 25s per week; and out of that be had to keep a wife, and contribute towards the suppdrt of his mother. The debt was said to Be over sis years old. 'lho Magistrate said the man could do no more than he was now doing, and he made no order.

Complete, specifications relative to applications for patent Have been lodged by Mr William Hyde; of Borne street, Wellington. Boot rdabhinist, for an improved ’poker for ,juga and other vessels, and provisional specifications for letters patent by Mr D. J. T. Creech, of Bambton quay, labourer, for an improved rail joint for railways or tramways; and by Mr W. H. Carter, of General Post Office, tor a mailbag fastener. Tho Minister of Justice recently (offered a reward of XeflO to any person not being the principal offender who would give information that would lead to the conviction of llie Murderer or murderers of the Ute Harry Batherley at Blenheim. The Minister now announces that the Governor will also grant a free pardon to any person not being the principal offender who gives information that will lead to the conviction of tho person or persons concerned.

Refusal to leave tha house of one Florrie Faulkner, of Nairn street, on Wednesday night, when requested so to do, got a man named William. Courtney into trouble. He was charged with that offence yesterday, and also with assaulting the complainant by striking het on tho taco. The evidence disclosed that the man had been In tho house previously, and that the place was occupied by two women, who denied allegations against their character suggested by the prisoner. The Magistrate dismissed tho charge of assault, but inflicted a fine of 10s for refusing to leave the premises.

The Marine Department notifies that on the 18th November next, and for about a month afterwards, the Defence Department will lay a number of email mark-buoys, printed red, between Mahanga Bay and Ward island. This work will be commenced at 3 a.m. on each day, except Saturday a and Sundays, and will be discontinued at 5 p.m., when the buoys will be removed. These buoys will bo placed within an area of about 100 'tt, beginning in the vicinity of Mahanga- Bay Wharf, and will be gradually worked towards Ward Island. A steam launch or cutter will direct mariners on which side to pass, if necessary. The traffic returns for the Wellington section of tho Government railways for the four weeks ending September 18. h show that there were 754 first-class singles and 6206 returns issued, and 3631 seoond-olass singles and 19,892 returns, the total being 30,533, as against 28,831 for the corresponding period last year. There were also 801 season tickets issued, a? against 588 last year. In every branch a slight increase is shown, and the revenue is 2U923 16s 9d, as against 235694 16s 6diu 1896. On the Napior-Taranaki section there was less passenger traffic than in September 1896, the figures being 41,066, as against 45,519. The revenue accruing from other sources, however, helps to make up a grand total of JU4,121 9) 31 for tho month, as against 2112,910 lls 5d last year. The newly-formed Wellington Tailorasses’ Union has not been long in getting to business. It has submitted a proposed log to tho employers with tho request that it will bo either accepted or discussed with delegates from the Union. Tho log demands 8d per hour for piece- workers (as set out in the new log in operation among tho members of the Tailors’ Union) and the following scale for weekly bands Coat hands, 21 i 17s 6d ; Vest hands, 231 )0s; trouser hands, 211 19s; machine hands, first-class, 211 15s ; secondclass, 211 10s.' Tho proposed log limits the number of apprentices and improvers to one to five workers, and sets out the rates of pay and time of apprenticeship. Overtime is claimed at time 'and a half; unionists are to have the preference of employment, and all work to bo done in the shops employing them.

The fourteenth annual report of tho Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Oompmy states that the year’s trade haajbeen satisfactory, the output being ibe largest for some time past. The clothing factory is proving a valuable adjunct to tho mill, and it has been the increasing demand for its products which baa rendered necessary the addition to tho [premises in Jervois quay mentioned in The Times some time ago. The profit and loss account for tho your shows that after setting aside -65000 for depreciation and J 22000 to reserve, a substantial

balance remains for distribution. As provided by the articles of association, the two directors to retire are Messrs A B. Gibbs and A. Warburtoo, both of whom offer themselves for re-election. Messrs H. Kcmber and D.

T. Stuart, tho auditors, also offer themselves for re-election, -

• At the civil sittings of tho Mjigisfcrate’s Court yesterday decisions for plaintiffs were given as follows t—Scott and Co. v. Henry Smith, claim £l3 17s 4i, with costs JR 10i, solicitor’s fee 10s Cd ; A H. Tripe v, C. and A. Richardson, £3 13s 6d, costs 9s, solicitor’s fee ss; Commercial Agency v. G, Keyworth, -Cl 13s 7d, costa 63 ; Cook and Gray v, Thomas Joyce, .£3, costa 6s, solicitor’s £OO ss; same v, Frederick Saxon, 16s 4d, costa 6a ; same v. Thomas H Thompson, 6* 6d, costa 63; sime v. T. Bentley, £i 2b 9d, costs 6a, solicitor’s fee 5s : sa-me v. Alfred Weavers, £i Jsa 2d, coats 6a, solicitor’s fee ss ; same y. Robert Andrews, .£llos 4d, costa 63 ; same v. John McKenzie, -£l 5a Bd, costsßs; same v. Thomas B. Leo, £2 13b 6d, costs‘6s, solicitor’s fee ss; same v. U. Marsh, £l, costs 6s; same v. H. Marsh, Its 6d, costa 6s 1 same v. P, O’Connell, ,£1 17a 3d, costs 6s ; Hong Lee v. W. McFarlane, .£<3l6*, costa 6s, solicitor’s foe ss. Judgment summonses—H. Dunatall v. A, Tindill, £0 Is 6dj to bo paid forthwith or nine days* imprisonment. Commercial Agency v. T. W. Twist, <£7 le §d ; to bo paid by instalments of -61 per month. Wellington Loan Company v. J, W. Robinson, .£6 18s 7d; to be paid forthwith, or in default seven days. The Trades Council met last night, Mr A. Collins, president, in tho chair, A letter was received from Mr A. Ollivler, Wanganui, asking if it would bo possible to arrange for Mr Ben Tillett to deliver a lecture at that town. As Mr Tillett’s movements are uncertain, it was resolved to forward the letter on to him. for consideration. Tho half-yearly balance-sheet, showiugl'receipts £GS. 12s 5d and expenditure J 264 15s. was adopted. The Council decided to accord its patronage to a “social” to be given by the Bootmakers’ Union on behalf of a distressed member. The Wellington Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders’ Society brought under the notice of the Council a grievance which the Society had with the Railway Department in connection with tho employment of boilermakers at less than tho minimum rate of wage,*' It was decided that the Council should take up the matter and appoint a deputation, to aot in conjunction with a deputation from the Boilermakers* Society, to wait upon the Minister foe ; Railways,' tho deputation to consist of the while of tbe Council; also that the Labour members of both bouses, as well as the members for the city and suburbs, be asked to accompany the deputation. It was resolved to invite representatives of all trades and labour organisations to meet at the Trades Hall on Monday nejet to discus tho Labour BUlg.

A native company of mounted rides is being formed at Mastertoa by Taiwhio Te Tau, one of the native contingent. A man named Udvrard Fahby fell over a sluicing face, a distance of between 20, and 30 t, at Kumara, the other night, fracturing a few riba. The City Council has decided that it cannot recognise any liability for the accident at tbo drainage works in Upper SViUis street by which a man named O’Meara lost his life.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Borough of Onslow is convened for Tuesday, at the Kaiwarra Hall, at 8 p.m , to consider the proposal to raise a special loan of -£S.OQ. Tbo Minister of Railways is to he asked by tbo Canterbury A. and i*. Association to reduce the freight charged for the carriage of pedigree stock, the present ra*ea practically ')rovbnt‘ing the transport of such stock iuroUgh the island. The “Flying Jordans,*’ in their wonderful combination of acrobatic feats, which have been so highly spoken of by the press df Australia, open a season of five nights only on Saturday, October 30th, in mammoth white tents on the reclaimed land. Permission to erect a tent on the reclaimed land for the performances of the Flying Jordans was asked of the City Council last night. The Council, taking the view that tbo land in question, the site of the cycling track, is still under the control of the Relief Committee, referred the letter to that body. The fortnightly meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Loaghd Was hold li-st evening, Mrs R, J. Soddon, president, in tho chair. The secretary was instructed to send a letter of condolence to the family of Mrs McDougall, a late member of the League. It was decided that the League’s fourth annual “ social ” be held on tho 15th of November. Messrs Dwan Brothers report the sale of Mr W. T. Watt’s interest in the Terminus Hotel, Courtenay place, to Mr Joseph Sullivan, late of the Commercial Hotel, Pahiatua; the Wimbledon Hotel, East Coast, on account of Mr W. F, Tyohenno, to Mr Charles Wilmot, Into bf the railway service, Woodviile; and Mrs Tait’a interest in tho Princess Hotel, Molesworth street, to Mr T. Keaeigh, late of Invercargill and Canteruury.

The committee of tho City Council appointed to perform the herculean task of discovering how certain information regarding a meeting of the Fire Brigade Committee came to be published iu The Times has examined various Councillors. One member who was unable to be present on tho previous occasion is still to bo examined, and the committee also proposes tb make certain other enquiries.

It appears that the Sum mentioned in our information as to the work which is contemplated in bridging the Mangatamoka at Tutaekara was confused with that of the special loan voted by the settlers. These latter have rated themselves for a special loan of £3760 for the purpose of the making of roads converging on tho bndge, and they only ask that a structure to cost .£909 shall be erected, , They are fill email fatniors depending solely on their dairy products, and tbeir being blocked by the river is to them a very serious matter. We trust they wul be successful in obtaining the necessity muds for tho bridge in question. The fortuighly InapeoUuil Bf the Wellington Guards by. Colbrial NoWall took place last night, when SO of all ranks were present, under "Lieutenant Hgxopuft. .■ Lieutenant Fitzhptbefti .of the Palmerston North Rifles, alilp attended. The oorps was put through cbmpuny drill by the officers and non-oom-missioned officers, Colonel Newall expressing himself pleased with the drill. At the conclusion of tho parade it was notified that class trophy firing would commence on Saturday next, and that a battalion parade Wits Sited for November Ist, Aftbr dismissal the C Class bred the third fohnd df the Morris-tube match lot Lioulenririt Harooiirt’s trdphy.

■Despatches received frodl the Agent-Gene-ral show that when tho alleged prohibition of the intf edliotion bf New Zealand sheep into Argentina was enforced, his department, in anaWer to a cablegram froth the New Zealand Government, imdiedlately coirimunibited with the Colonial Office dnd the New Zealand Shipping Company; The enquiries resulted in the receipt of a copy of a.telegram sent by Her Majesty’s Charge d’e ffairos, at Biieuos Ayres, showing that the importation of sheep was not prohibited; but subject to precautions, dnd that the difficulty, which bad since been overborne,, had bebtl calmed by a suspN oioii that d consignment from New Zealand came from Australia, which is considered infectious in tho same way as tlio Cape Colony. A most successful concert was held at the New Zealand Natives’ Association rooms last night. Tho following took part:—Misses Muir and Logan, piano dnet; Mr Axel Newton, piano solo, Mr J. E, Read and Miss Read, recitations j Mrs Bnrfoot, Misses Carte (2) and RaWusley, and Messrs J. E. Read and J. C. Lane, songs. Mrs Bnrfoot received a most enthusiastic encore, and Mr Axel Newton’s pianoforte solos were much admired. Twenty-four new members were elected, making a total of 215, of whom 92 have been elected during the past four meetings. The Association proposes to form an orchestra under the charge of Mr Axel Newton, and those wishing to join aro requested to hand in their names either to Mr Newton or. tha secretary (Mr Logan). Readers are reminded of the charitable entertainment to be given this evening in the Exchange Hall tor tho benefit of tho Orphanage Cottage Home. Tho programme is very interesting, comprising items by well-known musicians, both vocal and instrumental, together with a clover histrionic performance entitled “ Butterfly Land ” by a number of young ladies who have before now afforded the public a taste of their quality and accomplishments as amateurs of no mean capacity. The burlesque orchestra, in which sundry popular musicians will bo impersonated, will form not the least attractive portion of the performance. Tho excellence of tho object for which the entertainment la to be hold gives a farther claim to liberal support.

Mr A. do B. Brandon, la thanking the members of the Camera Club for his reelootiou as president last night, said that there were rumours that he would stand for tho position of Mayor. Tho matter had not been definitely settled, and, it his own feelings were consulted, ho would decline, but he had placed himself in the hands of a committee of ratepayers, and if they deemed it advisable bo would go to tho poll. It ho wore elected he wou'd not be able to give much of bis time to the Camera Club, as the Council meetings fell on tho same night. However, he took it as an honour that ho had ‘been elected, and if they wore prepared to put up with an ornom-ntai president be would accept the office. Mr T. if. Hardy said that it the contingency arose they would have to excuse Mr Brandon, but his services were wanted, as the affairs of tho club were in a critioal state.

Tho Skating Hink was again crowded last night on the occasion of the Garrison Baud fanoy fair. Selections wore played by the band, and a novel and instructive, ns well as amusing, phrenological and physiognomical entertainment was given by Prof-sser J. P. de Blamenibal. Dj moans of persons on the stage the professor sbowe l how the hand and handshake and tho walk were illustrative of character, and discoursed on noses, lips, eyes, oars and other parts of the physiognomy in an amusing manner. Good business was done during the evening. Tho following is a list of last night’s prize-winners i—Miss Rhera, tea seat; Mrs Preston, bracket; Mrs Hloks, bracket; Mr Burnett, accordion; Mrs Macdonald, plate and holder ; Mr J. Corliss, teaset; T. 6. Thyne, 211 note; Mies Davidson, box lollies; Mr J. Gibson, bedstead; Mr Palmer, doll; Miss Worger, silk cover; Mr Brown, box lollies ; Mr King, drape; Mr A. Lane, cushion; Mr IV. Williams, 261 note.

A point that has been raised before in this colony cropped up at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when a. certain member of Parliament did not appear to answer a judgment summons. Mr Young, counsel for plaintiff, applied for an order, and for the issue of tho usual warrant in default of payment. Mr Kyro Kenny, who presided, wasn’t quite clear that he could comply with the request, seeing tho position the debtor held and that Parliament was in session. He didn’t think it right that a man should be imprisoned whde in the pec/ormanco of a publio duty. Mr Young wanted to know why distinction should be made between a member of Parliament and anyone else ? The Magistrate : Because he represents his constituents, and it would not be right to deprive them of bis services. Counsel asked if the Court took judicial notice of the fact that Parliament was in session, and received a reply in the affirmative. The Magistrate eventually decided to adjourn the ease for a week, and it the M.H.E. indicated produced evidence that ho was a member and that the House was in session, be would adjourn it until the House concluded its labours His Worship took a uoto of Mr Young’s objection to an adjournment.

The meeting of representatives of the city churches and societies convened by the Women's t bristiau Temperance Union to consider preventive and reform work amongst the young people of the eity was held on Wednesday aHornoon in Wesley Ohnroh claseroom, Mrs Kirk, president of the W.C.T.U., being in the chair. After some discussion the following resolutions -were carried :-That a society for the protection of women and children be now formed, and that it be called the Wellington Branch of the Protection of Women and Children Society ; that a sub-committee, consisting of Mesdames Anderson, Touts, Boxall, Ashcroft, Shirer, Kirkoaldio, Lady Stont, Misses Walker, L. M. Kirk and Glasgow be appointed to confer with Mr Bell, and to draw np rules for the Society: that Hie Worship the Mayor, Mr Bell, be the president of the Society, pro fern,j that the Mayor be requested to call a public meeting to enlist support for the Society. Lady Stout was appointed secretary and Miss Kirk treasurer, pro lem. The matter of a girls’ club, which has been engaging the attention of (the W.C.T.U., was left to be dealt with byjtha new society. The Wellington police have been apprised of a successful attempt made to work off the " confidence trick ” on a man who has just arrived in this city. It appears that before the steamer on which ho took passage left Lyttelton the other night ho was standing in silent contemplation of some deer when he was spoken to by a follow-passenger (apparently). Conversation followed, and the new-found acquaintance asked him if he would mind going ashore and helping to carry some heavy parcels aboard. They left the boat and walked np the wharf, where a third man was met, who said, " Oh ! I have taken yonr parcels aboard, sir.” “ Have you ; then I’ll pay yon.” Turning to the intended viotim he said, “Have yon the change of a i3O note ?” ” No,” was the reply, “ I have only 46 on me.” “ Oh, that will do, t’U make the rest up.” The 166 was handed over, and with an excuse concerning a desire to see about bis paresis the alleged owner hurried towards the boat. Of course he disappeared altogether, and when the vi tim found the sharper wasn’t on board ho ” tumbled ” to the trick that had been played upon him. On arrival hero" he informed the polio 3, and the Christchurch authorities are now hunting np the 420 note mau and Ids accomplice,

T!io inaugural ceremony and initiation of members in the now.y-formod Lttdy Kanfuriy Lodge of Droids takes plaof to-nigHt in the Bebhstite Hall. Manners street.

M r Jolin Filler aud his new mynorama armed in Wellington yesterday, and mil inaugurate a series of popular weekly concert® at the Skating Kink on Wednesday next. Mr Fuller has had a most successful season in the South, and ho bangs with him an excellent concert company.

There was a large attendance at the meeting of the Wesleyan Literary and liobauug Society last night, when the subject; for dobavowas ' l Is r.rgland'a i ower deeming t Mr E. P. Lishwortb took the affirmative, and Mr E. L. Burgess the negative. A number of members look part in the debate, which nas of an interesting character. The Edt I). O’jDonnoll’s misflou meetings in Wesley Church tire being well alb, nded. The address last night dwelt with the home of the Prodigal. Tb-n.ght thoeerVicS is a special one fob men only. MrO Donnell deals with subjects which affect the physical and moral health of men. Every male over 15 years old will bo made welcome. There was a largo attendance at the Salvation Army Citadel last night, when the Wesleyan Sunday School scholars repeated their anniversary service in aid of the A rmy mission work. Mr G. Tiller was in the chair, and gave a short address. The young scholars* under the leadership of MrF. Billman, sang the hymns in fine stylo, and showed evidence of very careful thh s-ol r denial week ui aid of the Army mission work.

With regard to tho proposed baths at Te Aro, the City Council oonsidotod the subject in committee last night and decided : “(-l That in view of the communication from the Harboua Board on the subject of tho site for To Aro baths, the City Surveyor be instrutted to ’defer farther proceedings in connection with the baths till tho Council baa further considered the matter. (2) That the matter be considered by a committee of the whole Council on Monday, the Ist November* tho date for the next meeting of Works Committee. \3) Further, that in vew of tho proposal of the Harbour Board to reclaim beyond the defined line for the purposes of the dock site, tho City Surveyor bo instructed to present a further report on tho question of the site.

Tho “social ** held in Thomas* last night under tho auspices of the Loyal Sister Wallis, Antipodean and Britannia Lodges proved very successful and enjoyable. Tho hall was decorated by Sisters Henry and Martin, of the Wallis Lodge, the flags bom£ lent for tho occasion by the captain of the Mataura. Songs were given by Mrs Bocal Misses Mbllvride and Murray, and by Bros, T. Pain, F. Dight olid Pearson. Tho dancing arrangements were .In the h£ndsi of Sisters Hill and Henry and Bros. Daly, Seddon and Snell, and Minified band supplied the dance music. The catering was done in a satisfactory manner by Mr H. Oldham, of Cuba street. Tho secretary and chairman of the Social Committee, Bros. O. Road and W. Mo'ioldrick, and the members of the committee worked hard te ensure tho success of tho gathering, and their efforts were well rewarded. Mias Henderson played several of the accompaniments of tho songs, and also the extra dance musio.

Mr Wifii Crlfihtbn Invitts tenders in ariothff tiolfimh jlbr the brbotldn 'of a aWoUinghouse, shop W.°K Shbrtt sells clothing at his mart lb :

ketnb inquires in another column lor a few itttbtest-paying properties, , Mr W. Hand in advertises two seven-roomed rosiionoes for sale. , Mr J. W. Bull gives notice of his intention to apply for discharge at the next sitting of the Bankruptcy Court, ... „ , All blocks and unsold tickets In tha Garrison Band's Art Onion must bo returnad to tho secretary not later than Saturday ileit. • , The November Show df tho Canterbury AttnOaltural and Pastoral Association will be held on Thursday and triday, November 11th and lath. Entries will oldso on Saturday, October SOtlt: Messrs Leery and Co. sell groceries at their marl A; Q. Taino and Coi soli stock at ManakaU on November 3rd. Mr W. F. Sinclair advertises that ho Will fun brakes, Weather permitting, every Sunday to Hoss Gardens, leaving tho Newtown Uotel at 1.30 p.ra, and Government Buildings at 2 p.m. Tho price of return tibkets, which will admit to tho gardens, will of tho Now Zealand Natives* Assoj oiation advertises tho Hall to bo lot for meetings on certain evenings intheweek. . ? ’ Mr J. Hector MoKay, in another column, mvitoS tenders tot tho erection of a residence in Macdonald Ai O. Tairie arid Co. will sell futnitrifo it theit mart co-day. ■ ... , , ■ ~.a , Messrs A. G. Toino and Co. will sell horses rind traps at theit yards to-mbrroW.