LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3327, 7 January 1898, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A report of yesterday’s sitting of the Magistrate's Court, letters to tho Editor and particulars of a salvage award for towing tho Kaikoura into Rio will bo found on our back page. It is notified that His Worship the Mayor will attend at his office at 12 o’clock daily, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tbe Public Works Department has. accepted the tender of Mr T. Costello for the removal of rubbish and of Mr H. Smith for sweeping chimneys in the public offices in Wellington. The e were the successful tenderers last year.

There is not any material exodus to Klondike from Vancouver, and, though many colonial miners on their way to the field are staying in Victoria and Vancouver waiting for the spring befoie they oan resume their journey, business is not particularly brisk just now in either town, A professional man who has returned to Wellington from Vancouver reports that the building trade is very quiet in that^town. Mrs and Miss Shepherd, who have for some years successfully conducted a young ladies’ sohool at Masterton, bat who have ooroe to Wellington to take advantage of the wider scope afforded here, notify that they have established tho Brougham Hill School, Ellice street, with a full staff of efficient teachers. The first term will commends on February Ist. The principals will be at home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. At a public meeting held under tho auspices of the Bingle-Tax Society in Richards’ rooms, Cuba street, last night, Mr Turner presiding, an address explanatory of the priaoiples of the Single Tax was given by Mr - Stevenson. A discussion followed, and Mr Stevenson received a cordial vote of Ibanke for an interesting address. Tho following resolution was carried : “ That in tho opinion of this meeting, it is advisable that the Eating on Unimproved Values Act, 1896, should be brought into force in the city of Wellington.” Signatures were affixed to a petition asking the Mayor to take a poll on the subject. The advance of the Chinese and the Japanese as far west as Vancouver, British Columbia, is making Itself felt seriously in that part of the world, where tho white man is going to the wall somewhat considerably in certain industries. The Japanese now fill the sawmills and fisheries, and have thus taken hold of the two important industries of the country, while in the canning works the Chinese aro employed almost exclusively. A Wellington man who has just returned from Vancouver says he thoroughly agrees with the restrictive legislation passed in this colony to check the influx of Asiatics, for it will prevent growing n P here a similar stato of things to that existing in that country. The canning of fish ie done by Qhineso, and it sometimes happens that on the oocg-sioti of a big catch of salmon, says the returned New Zealander, some of the fish is bad before it is put in the tins. Still, it is put in juit the same by the Chinese. The late Mr William Gay, the well-known Melbourne poet, whose death was briefly announced in The Tikes recently, was well known in this colony, more particularly at Dunedin, wherehe waafor some time in theservioeoftheUnionSteamShip Company. During the last few years of his life poor Giy suffered greatly owing to a spinal complain’, but he was of a very cheerful disposition, and whiled the weary hours away writing poems. He composed and wrote them in bed, and issued two or three volumes in all, the books being very favourably received throughout the Colonies. Gay was a poet of what tho late Oliver Wendell Holmes called the Moonlight Order of Poets. His verses were reflections, and his inspiration the library. He has been described as the Kirke White of Australia, hut with nothing like the suggested poetical potentiality of Kirke White. Gay was a comparatively young man when he died. “ I don’t want to go to Klondike because Idou’twantto die just yet,” said a Wellington man who found himself iu Vancouver city, and was asked to go on to Dawson City. “ A’hy," he said yesterday to a Times representative, in relating the experiences of some who undertook the journey, “ the members of a party sent out by the Government to establish food stations along the route to Dawson City were up to their armpits in snow in crossing the White Pass,” “An outfit,” ho continued, “ costs XGO; then the fare from Wellington to Vancouver is X2O, and a man landing in Vancouver requires another s6IOO or .£l5O to taka him to tho field. If he gets to Dawson Cite iu September, he must stay there till tho following June, because he cannot get out through the snow. However, with plenty of pluck, a Bound constitution, and a supply of money, - anyone may make his way to Klondike. ' But these three conditions are essential,” The Trades and Labonr Council met last night, Mr A. Collins presiding. The Bookbinders’ and Paper-rulers’ Society forwarded .£lls towards the furniture trade dispute. Consideration of a letter from the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council relative to the retention of the seivioes of Mr Ben Tillett was allowed to stand over. The Trades- and Labour Council of Western Australia wrote asking for copies of the Trades Union Act and the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. It was resolved to comply with the request. Sir Robert Stout sent a lengthy reply to a letter from the Connell with reference to his attitude towards the Master and Apprentice BUI. The Council resolved to reply to Sir Robert “ That tho workers of tho colony must bo considered the best judges of what if best for themselves and their children ; also that the Council regrets that Sir Robert Stout’s sympathies have in late years been alienated from the work of sooi il and political reform which characterised his earlier career.” The sum of £1 lie 6d was voted the furniture trade dispute A number of important matters were discussed concerning the attitude of both Homes of Parliament on labonr legislation and thi Old Age Pensions Bill. Consideration was deferred.

A register of the medical practitioners and dencists of New Zealand appears in the last Gazette.

Ratepayers of the Hrtt county are notified that 10 per coot will be added f.o rates which are not paid on or before the 15th February. The senior and junior Civil Service ex iminations commenced at the Education Offices yesterday, and will conclude on Saturday, the 15th instant.

Tenders are invited by the Public Works Department for the leasing of the Ministerial residence in Tinakori road (known as the Premier’s residence). Thus an enthusiastic S»ngle-Taser at a meeting of his society last night: “ There arc only two classes of loafers in this world—the landowner and the gold bug.’* Owing to some delay in receiving the necessary funds, the contemplated additions to the Home for the Aged Needy will for the present stand in abeyance. Robert John Kingan, of the Lower Hutt, horse.trainer, was yesterday adjudged insolvent. The meeting of creditors in the estate is to be held at 11 a.m. on the 13th inst.

The local agents of the Canadian-Austra-lian lino of steamships have received cable advice that the G.M.S. Miowera arrived at Vancouver on Saturday last, the time-table date.

The only case dealt with at the Mount Cook Police Station yesterday was that of Nellie Hart, whose inebriate habica secured for her a fine'of ss,or 24 hour*’ imprisonment. Mr McFarland, J.P., presided.

A young man named John Mann, employed at the Gasworks, met with a painful accident yesterday afternoon through coming in contact with some revolving raachiney, one of his legs being rather severely cut. He was removed to the Hospital for medical treatment.

The Wellington Glassware Company, which was formed here early last year, is now making a farther issue of 3jo £5 shares. The Company carries on one of our moat promising local manufactures, and the action of the directors should meet with ready support from investors. The Star of Wellington Lodge, 1.0.G.T., held its weekly meeting last . evening in the Choral Hall, there being a large attendance. Bro. Burbneh, 0.T., presided. During the evening 10 propositions for membership were received, three new members initiated, and one member readmitted t j the Order.

We have to acknowledge receipt from the hon secretary of Star of Wellington Lodge, No, 12, 1.0.G.T., a letter in which he states that he is deputed to convey to ua the compliments of.tho season, and also to thank The Times for the manner in which it has reported the lodge meetings for the past twelve months.

The good qualities of Messrs Lube and Son’s ranges have long earned for those articles a more than local reputation, and a largo number were shipped to various centres yeierday afternoon. A unique specimen of this necesary domestic arrangement is a combination stove, by 'which either gas or coal may be used as fuel, giving it decided advantages for either winter or summer use. Messrs J. G. W. Aitken (chairman), T. W, McKenzie and J. 13. Smith were present at yesterday’s meeting of the Homo for the Aged Needy Trustees. The business transacted was purely of a routine character, the accounts passed amounting £6B is Bd. The report of the Ladies’ Committee who had visited the institution during Chrutmas was read and deemed to be satisfactory. It is understood that the four inspectors appointed a short time ago to make periodical inspections of the liquor sold in the hotels of the colony are to be dismissed after the 31st Maroli next, in consequence of an adverse vote in the House in Committee of Supply during the recent Parliament, in which a motion was carried that the item £6OO be reduced by j6l, as an indication that the services ot the inspectors be dispensed with, A meeting of the No. 1 Co-operative Building Society of Wellington was held last night at the rooms. Grey street, for the purpose of holding a ballot to decide an appropriation. It was announced that there were very few members in arrears. The first marble drawn was numbered 14, the number of a member who had declared to forego. Another marble was then drawn. This was numbered 226, the number of a member holding three shares and entitled to J23OU, and who had declared to accept.

The cylinders for the Government "Railway bridge over the Rangitikei river, which are being made at Messrs * Luke and Son’s foundry, are particularly massive, weighing some fifteen tons when all the parts are bolted together. It is an interesting sight to watch the mechanics facing one of the sections, a huge mass of metal containing about five tons slowly revolving on a machine specially adapted for the purpose. Fully six tons of metal are cast every day, ’which, as may bo imagined, gives employment to a large number of artisans, the workshops presenting a very busy appearance.

The chief object of the New South Wales Freezing Companies* Association is to endeavour to localise, and in future to prevent, damage to shipments of frozen meat, which damage has assumed most serious propoitions during the last two years, the insurance companies at present smarting under continuous and heavy claims, which have resulted in the raising of their premiums about 20 per cent. The Association proposes to provide for the thoroughly efficient survey of the machinery and insulation on board the steamers; the temperature of hold at time of loading j the condition of the meat when sent alongside for shipment. The Maori cemetery at Pefcone was much damaged yesterday and the bulk of the woodwork round the graves destroyed through a grass fir© which raged for a time in the vicinity. Allender’s soap works and Mr George Ring’s residence in the vicinity were for a time in great danger, but a staff of men from the Gear meat works manfully combated the flames with sacks and green boughs, and kept the fire in cheek until the Fire Brigade got its pumping apparatus to work and pumped a quantity of sea water on to the smouldering mass. Some excitement was caused by the antics of a number of Maori women, who, wild with excitement, ran hither and thither, giving loud-voiced utterance to their sorrow at the destruction and desecration wrought by the flames. Mr Lowles, Mayor of Nanowua, Western' Australia, in a letter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, outlines a scheme that the Imperial Government should, under the supervision of the different Australian Governments, establish largo Government farms for growing wheat in the different colonies solely for the English market Australia, he says, can supply the land in any quantity, and most of the labour re-quired-tho Imperial Government supplying the capital, in return for which it would pet the wheat, and by selling the grain through its own stores would thus put an end to what is certainly a disgrace to a great nation like Great Britain, viz., private enterprise monopolising the market and controlling the price of flour,

The man Frank Monkhonae, -who attempted auioide by cutting his throat near Kaitoke, ia taking a long while to recover at the Wellington Hospital. It ia now some time since he attempted hia life, hut he ia not yet in a fit condition to be removed. This ia in the main owing to the fact that he recently partially re-opened the wound. The man has given the police a considerable amount of trouble. The force in the city has not been at its full strength lately owing to the influenza epidemic, yet three officers have for some weeks past been giving Monkhonae their undivided attention. Constables Phelan and Uofiilliugham, of the Mount Cook Station, taking it in turns to ait alongside hia bed in the day-time. Constable Baker, of the Lambton quay depdt, remaining in charge all night. Stone’s Directory of Otago and Southland for the current year is, as usual with the publications of this firm, full of the most up-to date information usually found in a volume of the kind. The statistical returns are of a comprehensive character, and being compiled from figures supplied by the Eegit trar-Gencral may be regarded as be ng accurate. 'Jhecontcn s have been arranged on systematical lines, and as the indexes have been prepared the work of reference is greatly facilitated, it being rossible to find any given item at almost a moment’s notice. A notable feature is that the Christian name of each parson in the alphabetical lists ot residents is affixed, much oonfudou which would otherwise arise being thus obviated, the volume being made one of infinite value to professional and business men. At the usual meeting of Court Sir George Bowen, held on Monday last, the following o fficers were installed for the ensuing six months : —C, R., Bro.W. T, Ferguson ;SC. 3 , Bro. A. Ease; Treasurer, Bro. H. Birch (re-elected) ; Senior Woodward, Bro. P. Woodward, Bro. Sparrow; S. 80. Wallers ;J. 8., Bro. Hancock; Assistant Secretary, Bro B, Griffiths (re-elected). The Entertainment Committee reported npon last season's “ socials ” as having been enjoyable and financially successful. The retiring C. B. was presented with a certificate, and bis name entered on the respect board, and all the past officers, including the trustees, were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Bro. W. T. Forgnson carried off the prize given by a brother tor having initiated the largest, and Bro. Q. E. Man»on the second largest, number of members into the Court. The Court closed at 10 30 p.m. A thistle eleven feet high. That is the kind of specimen which a representative of The Times saw at the laboratory at the rear of the Government Buildings yesterd ly. This remarkable specimen came from the Marlborough district, not far from Blenheim. It ia of the Cali'ornian variety. Another sample over which the rule was run by Mr Kirk was Bft 6iu in length. Close by was a “woolly-headed” thistle 6ft high, from the Weber (Seventy-mile Bnsh) district. During the last few years this thistle has been spreading very rapidly over the Crown lands in some portions of the Wairarapa. The “woolly-head” resembles the variety commonly known as the “Scotch,” and is so called because its leaves (which are larger and more prickly than those of the “ Scotch ”) are covered with a dense growth resembling the inner coating of a fleece. Such vegetable growth is a testimony to the richness cf New Zealand soils to say the least. A landmark of old Wellington is tottering to its fall, and during the next few weaks a ramshackle building in Willie street will have made place for new, commodious premises, the immediate forerunner we hope of many more of the came stamp. We refer to the ouilding partly occupied by Mr J. McLean, ironmonger, and partly used as a restaurant, which stands on a spot where in 1859 or 1860 Mr J. McLean, senior, used to ply his trade as a boatbuilder, and launch all sorts of craft into the harbour waters, which were then just adjacent. The present premises were built a !itlls later on, and were fo- ati e n the occupation ot Mr Moars, saddler, one of the most prominent of Wellington’s earlier residents. Since then they have been in the occupation of various people. They are now being pulled down, and will be replaced in brick and cement under the supervision of Mr Thomas Turnbull, architect,

The Crown Lands'Department advertises 322 acres of the Paparatrgi estate, Johnsonville,to be leased.

It is stated that there have been forty-nine deaths among the natives at WVikaremoana dVring the last three months.

A young man named Gaul, employed by Messrs McKee and Co., had one ot the fingers of his left hind badly broken while working a machine yestsrday. Mr W. C. Fitz Gerald administered first aid and* after ringing up three doctors unsuccessfully, ordered the removal of the injured man to the Hospital.

The popularity of Mr Hudson’s Surprise Party is evidenced by the fact that it continues to attract large audiences to the Exchange Hall. Last night the programme was as novel and spirited as ever, and met with an amount of applause which must have b:cn very gratifying to the performers. The season is now drawing to a close, and wo advise plaj'goars not to miss an opportunity of seeing Mr Hudson and his clever company before they depart for fresh fields and pastures new.

The new Wanganui Maori newspaper* The Jubilee, understands that Mr Loo Davis* during his recent vi?it north to the Hay of Islands, was fortunate enough to be presented by the Ngapuhi chief, Te Tane Haratna, with the grand war canoe “ Jmapere.” She carries from 80 to 100 fighting men. This fast canoe competed against all comers at the Auckland regatta some few years ago, boating the Hauraki and Waikato war canoeo hands down, thus winning the .£IOO. Mr Davis hopes to have his prize in time to compete at the forthcoming Wanganui regatta.

A parade of the Wellington Guards was hold in the Garrison Hall last night, when there was a fair muster, Lieutenant Haroourt being in command. Tho men were put through company drill by the non commissioned officers. At a meeting of tho noncommissioned officers subsequently arrangements were made in connection with the forthcoming camp of the company. The affair takes place at Newtown Park, and commences on Sunday afternoon, the men marching out from the city. Tho camp will be continued for a week, the members, of course, coming into their work in the day-time, and returning to canvas in the evening. New Brighton possesses some enthusiastic burgesses who are of opinion that Sumner should not have a monopoly of caves. The Mayor of New Brighton, Mr R. C. Bishop, has taken advantage of the presence in Christchurch of Mr Farris, an expert in the construction of artificial rockwork, to obtain designs for a cave-rock to be placed on the beach near the pier, and to be of concrete, coloured and roughened in imitation of natural rook, and so situated that its base will be washed by the waves at high tide. I s length is to be 66ft, its breadth, generallv, 33ft, and its height variable— to 14ft at the summit. Tho estimated coat is Mr Bishop has offered .£IOO towards it.

To-day, at 2 o'clock sharp, Messrs J. H. Bethune and Co. will sell by public auction, absolutely without reserve, at No. 13, Buller street, excellent household furniture, comprising upwards of 150 lots of superior and useful articles, comprising drawing-room, dining-room, hall, bedroom and kitchen requisites; also, splendid walnut cottage piano by Broadwood and Sons, London, in firstclass order. The sale, being unreserved, should attract a good attendance of buyers. A first-class blacksmith is wanted. Mrs Aldous, tobacconist, has opened up a fine stock of silver-mounted walking-sticks and briar pipes. A boardinghouse is for sale. Consignees are requested to present bills of lading, pay freight (if any), and take delivery of their cargo, ex Star of Victoria, from London. Kirkcaldie and Stains will commence to sell today a manufacturer’s stock of samples of all sorts at S3£ per oent. reduction, also some specially cheap lines of blankets and carpots.