LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3436, 18 May 1898, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A report of the annual meeting of tbe Australian Mutual Provident Society* bold in Sydney, and tbe report of tbe annual meeting of the Football Association will be found on the back page. The Customs returns for yesterday amounted to J 21284 18s 7d.

A cycle corps has been formed in Dunedin, and tbe full strength enrolled. Tbe Premier has promised to consider tbo question of classifying the Wanganui Telegraph Office as a 4 * first-class M station. A bolt occurred at Petcne yesterday, when a baker's cart belonging to Mr it. Porson was upset. The driver, who was thrown cut, was uninjured, but one of the horse’s legs was cut.

It ia announced that Mr Dnrward Lely, taking advantage of the presence of Fraulein Elly Fuchs in Wellington, baa arranged for her to appear at the Opera House in connection with his entertainment to-night. The Benevolent Trustees yesterday decided to give assistance to keep one of two illegitimate children, the offspring of an adopted daughter and of the latter’s foster-father, who himself had a wife and seven children ! Fifty of all ranks of D Battery paraded for Government inspection at Mount Cook last night, under Lieutenants Hume and Bose The Battery was exercised in fire discipline and marching drill under Lieutenant Hume. After parade three new members were elected and two proposed. Gunner King was appointed acting-quartermaslor-sorgeant. Inspector Stringer on Saturday morning (-'ays the Lyttelton Times) seized and condemned several oases of dried fish consigned from Wellington on the ground that it was unfit for human consumption. This is the second consignment of the kind that has como forward since tbe large haul made in Cloudy Bay some time ago. A cable message to a Sydney paper says that James Corbett, the ex-ebarapion pugilist of America, some time ago offered to give 14 Bob ” Fitzsimmons, who lately retired from the championship of the world, &5»000dol. if be would fight to a finish, irrespective of

whether he won or lost. Fitzsimmons has now accepted the offer. The effect of a judgment given by Mr Kenny yesterday (reported elsewhere) m a building dispute will bo that if an architect orders extras to be done by a contractor, oyen if not in writing, such action will be sufficient to nulli'y any penalty clauses for non-comple-tion within a certain time which miy be contained in the contract.

The Boys’ Institute Naval Cadets paraded last evening under Captain Wallace and Lieutenant Fitzgerald. The lads wore exercised in skirmishing and company drill, great improvement being shown. There are a few vacancies for good sound recruits. The ambulance squad connected with the company will drill to-morrow evening at 8 o’clock.

The.oommittee appointed by the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday visited the various sites suggested for the Association's showgrounds—Miramar, the trotting racecourses at Kilbirmo, Island Bay, Newtown Park and a suggested site at tfce back of the Patent Slip. A subcommittee has been appointed to draw up a draft report for submission to the committee. Defendant in the case Wright v. Mildon-

hall, claim J6l 10s, heard at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, admitted the debt, which had been contracted for a suit of clothes, but pleaded infancy in defence, being under 21 years of age. His Worship, however, refused to entertain this excuse, holding that the fact of clothes being a necessity rendered defendant liable, and gave judgment for amount claimed and costs.

The matter of the defence of Wanganui was brought under the notice of the Premier by a deputation which waited upon him in that town. The Premier said he did not think there was any need for apprehension, but, at the same time, ho should very much like to see the volunteering movement especially with regard to cadets— moro warmly taken up there. He would get the Commandant to visit Wanganui in that connection.

The Wanganui Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club recently waited on tbe Premier and offered to form a bicycle to act in conjunction with the local companies. The Premier said ho was in thorough sympathy with the movement. Whore citizens were willing to make a sacrifice of time and trouble for tbe benefit of their country, he believed in giving them every possible encouragement. Ho then pointed out the necessary steps to be taken in the formation of a cotp*.

An inspection parade of the Kelburne Rifles and Garrison Band was held last night, when there were present 46 of the Rifles, under Captain Davis and Lieutenant Mo Donald, and 20 of the Band, under Bandmaster Herd. After inspection by Major Collins, the corps marched round the town headed by the~band. and after returning to the Drillsbod were put through ordinary company drill. After parade final arrangements wore made for the match to be fired against Pet.no on Saturday next. At the parade of the Kelburne Rifles last night Captain Davis read the following letter from Colonel Pole Penton, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, to the officer commanding the Wellington district:—“Sir, —I have the honour to request that you will bo good enough to convey the thanks of the department to the officers and men of the Kelburne Rifle Volunteers for their offer of their services on the occasion of the recent native trouble at Rawene, and inform them that should their services be required you will bo communicated with.” At a deputation which waited upon the Premier in Wanganui Mr Carson, M.H.R., asked whether, considering the educational advantages of the town and its peculiar adaptability for such purposes, be did not think it would be very much better to place the New Zealand University (Victoria College) buildings iu Wanganui rather than in Wellington itself. The Premier replied that that was a matter of detail entirely in the hands of the recently-elected University Council. The popular feeling, however, was at present in favour of Mount Cook gaol buildings.

It is understood that the Wellington Volunteers will bo treated to a sham fight on the Queen's Birthday, and there is every reason to believe that tho bluejackets from tho men-of-war which will be in harbour on that day will taka part in the affair. Tho Naval Brigade will probably act as an attacking force in the neighbourhood of Happy Valley, and the local Volunteers will constitute the defenders, and operate from Island Bay. The forces will move out from town at 9 a.ra , and after the fight the usual feu de joie will be fired in honour of Her Majesty’s Birthday. Considerable hardship is inflicted upon those employed in the Telephone Exchange by the fact that there is no fireplace in the vicinity of the encunciatora, in front of which the operators have to sit for hours at a stretch. This has been severely felt during the recant cold weath-r, especially by the lady operators. The building being of brick, recently erected, and, therefore, damp, the interior possesses about the moat frigid atmosphere in tho city By the expenditure of a few pounds the Postal Department would confer” a great boon upon its employees, and render cosy and comfortable what is otherwise one of the] moat convenient and up-to-date exchanges south of the lino.

The Victoria*! Church Missionary Association, which recently took over tho work of the Chinese Church of Knslaml Mission in that colony,’has just completed the purchase of the property known as “ Hiawatha, 1 * The Avenue, Balaclava, at a coat of JJJOOO, for the purposes of a training 1 college. Tho property coneiata of an ac.o of ground and a two-storied H-roome i honse. The purchase money was provided by the V*u Archdeacon Williams, who superintends a largo section of the Maori Mission in the North Island of New Zealand, and who is an enthusiast in missionary work. The archdeacon in addition to this munificent gift has,- says the Age, guaranteed .£l5O for throe years for the support of an instructor, and will himself support two Chinese students at the institution at a cost of -B>o a year each. The Association will be prepared to receive Chinese converts to bo trained as catechists to their countrymen, not only in Victoria but throughout Australasia.

Jnlgmoufc went fop plaintiffs in tho following oases at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday New Zealand Times Company v, Davidson and Go., claim .£lB 1(L XOJ, ooat-3 -S3 4s 0-i; Ba'linger Brothers v James Colling, £35 7a 21. costs -81 12s ; E Ford v. G. Adelines, £5, costa £2 2s; J. T. Glover v. E, Snow. £6 7s Cd, costa £1 5a 6d; Caatendyk and Fooke, £33 Is 4d, costs £2; J, Myers and Co. v. J. Staines, -618 8s 6i, costs .81 la; W. Walls y. M. K. Samuel, £1 15s, cost* 18s ; VV. H. MoGarry v. i). Walston, £2 133 9d, co-ts lla ; J. L Wright v. John gFellows, £3 15a, costa Gs ; F. G. Bolton v. J. James £2 3s, costa Us ; James Bolder v. James Sjott, -63 4j 91, coats 13a • H. C. Williams v. James Irvin.?, £1 3s 41, costs 5-j A. Martin t. E. G. Bond, -S3, costs £1 5s Gi; Empire Doan Company v. Robert John Aohieeon, £55 14s 2d, costs £1 13s Te Aro Loan Company v. A. 11. Logan and 0, W. Laagstono, £3 i 10s, costs £3 4i; F. S. Thompson v. H. J. Uolgers, £5 12s, o -sta £1 Us. Judgment summon* —W, T, Wyatt v, H. H. Hargood, claim £5 12s, to be paid by instalments of 5s per month up to June Ist, and 10s per month after October Ist.

Sometime ago a man named Hall represented to the Benevolent Trustees both verbally and in writing that ho had been hunted out o f two positions at Hawora ” through the police informing his employers that he bad served sentences in gaol. The statement was so circumstantially backed up that it formed the text of a vigorous attack upon police methods by certain of the Trustees, and their remarks were circulated throughout the press of the colony. Inspector Pender subsequently applied for and was supplied with details of the charges to enable him to have the fullest inquiries m\da into the circum-dances, and yesterday he communicated with the Trustees on the subject, informing them tbit la o had a-certainad that there were not the slightest grounds for the allegations of Hall. The man was dismissed from one position for drunkenness and from the other because there was do work for him, and his references to the police were mere fabrications. Toe Inspector took the opportunity of expressing his regret at the.derogatory comments which had been' published without evidence, and ventured to hope that in fa'ure the police would be given a chance of defending themse ves against charges of the kind before b>in«f thus condemned. He said the police w*re in the main the best friends that discharged prisoners had. Mr Browne, one of the Trustees, ridiculed thn statement, and avid his experience a-* a 'Tc?** - l -f m nr standing quite o mtr.khc e • I'-epaalo; Pender's conciudou. It was eventually decided to wr te to the latter thanking him for the trouble h** bad taken in this matter, accepting the explanation, and acknowledging the courtesy and assistance invariably extsuied to the Trustees by the police, i

Mr -,V. Lowos, of llaatenoc, will sail fo r England on the 24th inst.

Miss Amy Sherwin and her concert com* pany arrived from the North by the Kotoiti last night. The Wellington Wharf Employees" Benefit Society will hold one of their popular “socials” at Thomas’ Hall to-night. The members cf the Police Commission ro* turned to Wellington yesterday, and will sit at tbo Parliament Buildings t>day to take further evidence.

A social evening is to be held at the Primitive Methodist Church, Webb street, to* night, whm tongs, choruses and addresses will be given, and refreshments distributed. The Wellington contingent of the Permanent Militia which was sent up to Kawene is expected to be brought back to Wellington in the Tutanekai in time for the Queen’s Birthday celebrations.

l ast year the electric tramways of Havre carried *11,131,333 passengers, an increase of nearly 1,503,000, or 14*11 per coat., over the previous year. A new lino is being constructed to Harfleur and McntovilUer,

Mr H. Eyro Kenny resumed his duties at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, having concluded the circuit as District Judge. Archibald Mclntyre was fined U's, or 24 hours’ imprisonment, on a charge of drunkenness.

There was a muster of CO rank and file at an inspection parade of the Petono Navals last night. The men were exercised Irom 7.30 till 0.15 p.m. by Commander Kirk and Lieutenant Fanning, and dismissed at the railway station. The Pollard Opera Company arrived from New Plymouth by the Kotoiti at 10 45 last night and proceeded Bunediu at midnight by the To Anaa, which steamer was detained until midnight for that purpose, They open in Daroiin on Saturday night.

Monday night was one of the coldest experienced for some time past. On the glass 30deg. was registered at the Government Observatory, and the lowest reading in the shade for tho 24 hours ending at 0.30 yesterday morning was 4l*2ieg. At a meeting of tho Wellington Wharf Labourers’ Union, held list night iu the Truro Hall, Mr T. Long in the chair, a Social Committee was sot up, to act conjointly with a committee of the .sew Zealand Workers’ Union in carrying out a series of winter “ socials.”

The Premier and tho Hon W. C, Walker intend visiting Petone this afternoon. ihey will be mot by the Mayor and Councillors, and shown the sites proposed for tho new Post Office buildings at Potono and consulted about other matters in connection with that suburb.

Tho Premier has received from tho Lord Chamberlain, by command of tho Qoeen, a copy of tho record of tho ceremonials which took place in London iu connection with Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. The record ia of the most complete description, and forms an interesting souvenir of that important celebration.

Mr James Watson, “ The Australian Evangelist,” will visit Wellington at an early date. Mr Watson has leoeutiy given up business in Melbourne to conduct a gospel mission round the worid He is independent of denominational consider ations, and adorra his permous with musical services conducted by himself.

It is expected that there will be a tremendous gathering of natives at Papawai on Friday and next, when the land question and other matters will be discussed. It is probable that a apeci.il train will run to Greytown on Friday morning to convey the Premier and others interested to the scene of the gathering. The Court of Appeal was yesterday occupied in hearing argument in the Brunner mine accident cases. Mr Jelliooe, on behalf of the successful claimants iu the original

case, continued his address commenced two days before, but concluded iu the afternoon, after which the Court was addressed by Mr Hiudmarah, who appeared with Mr Jollicoe. Their Honors reserved judgment.

The photographs of crack English yachts displayed in the window of Messrs McGregor Wright and Co.'s picture gallery, Lambton quay, have attracted considerable attention of late. The photos, which have been handsomely mounted and framed by Messrs McGregor Wright and Co., are the prizes for the Port Nicholson Yacht Club’s art union which is to be held iu connection with the approaching nautical exhibition. The pictures consist of bi-chronido enlargements by West and Son, of Cowes, Isle of Wight, and present a very attractive appearance. Intending exhibitors at the exhibition are advised to make early applications for space. A charge of tho theft of a number of knives, valued at 19s, tho property of W. F. Shortt, preferred against William Hughes, was dismissed by the Stipendiary Magistrate yesterday, who held tho case to be one of civil liability. It appeared that Hughes obtained tho knives by representing ho had been sent to procure them by the licensee of the Queen’s Hotel, but never returned. Inspector Pender said ho was prepared to show that accused had sold tho articles and never intended giving the money to Mr shortt. The police accordingly took up the matter and laid tho information. His Worship, however, dismissed the caoe.

Yesterday evening a deputation from the Wellington Tyoographical Union waited upon the Hon Mr Hill-JoU-'S, in company of the Government Printer, regarding tho employ, ment of sessional hands at the Government Printing Office. Tho deputation pointed out that their business was to disabuse the mind of the Minister in charge regarding certain statements made through the Press Association from Auckland, that the local Union objected to tho employment of sessional hands from any centre but their own. The Hon Mr Hall-Jone s , and aUo Mr Mackay, assured ihe deputation that their explanation of the action of the Wellington Typographical Union was quite consistent with their notion in tho post in regard to sessional work for compositors at tho Government Printing Office.

Speaking at the moating of tbe Southern Cross Society on Monday evening, Dr Newman, referring to tho work done by the House of Commons, pointed out that last year that body had passed Bills to relievo distress iu Iceland, to give better water supplies in rural districts, for tho hotter protection of infant life, to prevent the undermanning of ships, for the prevention of accidents by chaff-cutting machinery, to prevent young persons working in dangerous employ, mouta, and, finally, a Bill which a'lows municipalities to provide cleansing and disinfection for persons inflicted with vermin. “ Nothing is too small for the House of Commons to take notice of,” pleasantly continued the speaker amid a profound solemnity, but finding hia little jokelet to bo a very damp squib indeed, hurriedly proceeded to another topic of bis discourse.

The riflemen who will represent Victoria this year at Bisley rifle maohes were selected by Colonel Templeton, Lieutenant-Colcnel Kelly and Captain Marshall, who bad been appointed a selection committee. There are 11 shooting men selected, to bo accompanied by Cautain Marshall, as manager and captain ot the team. Tho 11 selected are :—.Sergeant boss, C Battery ; Sergeant Hawser, G Battery ; Lance-Corporal Todd, Ballarat Militia ; Bombardier Carter, Geelong Artillery ; Mr ft. Walker, Melbourne R‘flo dub; Mr T. Kirk, Melbourne Rifle Club ; iMr j. Grnmmett, Melbourne Rifle Club; Mr P. Farghcr. Melbourne Rifle Club; Mr W. Slcane, Yarrawonga Rifle Club; Sergeant-Major Whitehead, Bendigo Militia; Mr E. Saker, Melbourne Rifle Club. Nino of the 11 were in the first Bisley team. The two newmon, sergeant-Major Whitehead, of Permanent Steff, and Mr E. Saker. take t v o places of the Permanent Artillery men. Corporal Downey and Bombardier Reilly, who cannot got leave of absence. The new men are both shots. Mr Saker, in fact, has twice won tho Queen’s Prize, and has made a world’s record cf 103 oat of a possible 105, at Williamstown.

An event of considerable importance to cyclists will take place to-day, when Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co., auctioneers, Lombton quay, will conduct a sale .of 50 ladies’ and gentlemen’s bicycles at their rooms, next tho New Zealand Times office. Tho sale is by order of the Official Assignee in the bankrupt estate of S. E. Wright, the well-known seller of “ Red Birds," and his instructions to the auctioneers, to realise on the whole without delay, will no doubt have the desired effect of drawing a crowd of buyers to the auction. Buyers arc requested to note the order of sale—sundries and fittings at 11 o’clock, and bicycles at 2 o’clock, commencing with a ladies’ “New World.” Tho catalogue is a lengthy one, and the opportunity of acquiring a cheap ” bike ” ought to be taken advantage of. The silo of fittings, engine and workshop-fittings will be held at the workshops, Featherston street, on Thursday at II o’clock.

Messrs Harconrt and Co. publish in this issue an advertisement and plan relating to sections in Adelaide road and John street, which wifi bo sold at auction on Monday, 23cd inst. The subdivision of tho land has been slightly altered since publication of the first sketch. A. G. Taine and Co. will sell a first class library of over 400 volumes at their new auction rooms tomorrow. B. Bell and Co. want girls for box-filling. Goo 3 wages and constant employment. A gigantic cash sale of boots and shoes is being held by the Sydney Boot Company prior to removal to new and more commodious premises, 41, Cuba street. Job lots of boots and shoes arc now being offered at less than auction prices. The sale closes on May 2lst. George Thomas and Co. will sell grocer’s cart, horses, harness, &o , at 11 a.m. to-day at the Fruit Market yards. • G. Thomas and Co. will sell a splendid assortment of furniture at 2 30 p.m, to-day at Thomas’ Hall. Mr D L. Turner, manufacturing chem’st, advertises that bis rheumatic gout mixture gives relief in two hours. Mr W. C. F;ts3oralJ notifies to p treats and guardians tb?t be will vaccinate at his rooms. Willis street, from a healthy calf, on Friday nextThe genuine sale of salvage goods at Messrs Veitch and Allan’s has been successful beyond the most sanguine expectations of tho firm. To-day they announce a further reduction in several lines, which they invite tho public to inspect, fully certain that those in search of bargains will be induced to purchase and feel that they are getting sterling value. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. The Manchester Ship Canal Company ia the latest big concern to send away all its upsidedown typewriters to make w.%y for the np-to-date Itoyal Bar-Lock. The Bank of England baa followed suit in all its branched and th? Loudon and Lancashire Insurance .Company has inst received b 4 Bar-Locka for use in policy work to replace ink-pad and shift-key machines discarded The Sunlight Soap Company has increased the number of its BarLocfcs to 61, and the London G.P.O. has recently obtained 20. Experientia docefc. A machine must: be eaper-exoelloat to eho-v such results. Call and sea tho proofs. Be whe in time, and see the Boyal Bar-Look before purchasing any typewriter. New shipment by s.a. Aotea. E. J. Le Grove, 42, Lamb too quay. 73$