LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3437, 19 May 1898, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Several letters to the Editor and other mattorwillbe found on our fourth page. The Customs returns for yesterday amounted to .£1377 14s sd. The case of the Public Trustee and McKeown will probably be reached in the Court of Appeal to*day. The mail which left Auckland on April 16th by the Mariposa reached London on May 16, two days early. A conference of delegates of the New Zealand Railway Officers’ Institute was commenced at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. A conference of representatives of the New Zealand Brewers* Association opened in Wellington yesterday. Tbe proceedings were not open -to iho press. Mr Justice Oon dly st tied in the Court of Appeal yevtarday that it was quite impossible for thane Judges who did not reside io Wellington, to remain here after the middle ol next week. Tbo Police Commission will sit again this morning, when further evidence will ba given by Inspector Pender and by delegates from the local force. *t is probable that Colonel Hume’s examination of Commissioner Tun* bti Ige will not be taken until to-morrow. It is practically certain that the committee appointed by the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association to report on show ground sites will give it as its opinion that none other than the present site will be practicably available for years to come. The first meeting of creditors in the estate of Eugene McCarthy, of Wellington, clerkwas held yesterday at tie office of the Official Assignee. Mr Ifouug appeared for the bankrupt, who was examined at some length, and the meeting was then adjourned sine die. The Mayor and City Councillors and the chairman and members of the Harbour Board will call upon Admiral Pearson on board the Royal Arthur on Friday. His Excellency’s official landing to-day will be signalled by a salute by the Permanent Artillery, and a guard of honour will be furnished by the Wellington Infantry battalion. A special endeavour is to be made to bring the Permanent Artillery force at present at Bawcno down in time for the Queen’s Birth* day parade. The Government steamer X’ufcanekai Jett tbe Thames yesterday foe Hokianga, audit' she succeeds in picking up the men on Sunday they are expected to arrive here early on Tuesday morning. An able seaman belonging to the Rotoiii, named Angus McLeod, received a ducking yesterday afternoon through the swing-board giving way on which ho was seated painting the steamer’s side. The cause of the mishap was a defective link iu the chain supporting the board. He was promptly pulled out of the water by his messmates. At the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Antipodean Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.P., held last evening, two candidates were initiated. P.G. Bro. Road was appointed sub-marshal, to act with tbe marshal, P.P.G.M. Bro. Clark, at tbe annual chnrch parade, to be held on Sunday next, the 22nd inat. The receipts for the evening were satisfactory. At a meeting of tbe Newtown Co-operative Building .Society hid last night to decide who should be entitled to the first loan appropriation free of interest, No. 110 was drawn, but nobody appearing to represent that number, after an interval of ten minutes the ballot was proceeded with, with the result that Mr H. Duff (No. 92), the owner of three shares, proved successful. From au editorial note iu our issue of yesterday a word was omitted. A sentence which announced that the city was threatened with a poor rate should have referred to a “ heavy ” poor rate. That sort of taxation we already have, of course. In faot, the city rate for hosp : tal and charitable aid purposes this year is 3£d in the pound, so that from that source alone j 65350 is to be raised. It io not expected that the Tutanekai can be got ready to repair the broken cable in Cook Strait until about the end of the

month, as all tho machinery used in the recent cable-laying operations has boon unshipped and stored away. The break is said to be right in the formidable “ Eip,” which f.-.cb ie likely to add a day or two to tho time the necessary rep lira will take. In the Court of Appeal yesterday, Dr Findlay mentioned that the papers in the case Bank of Australasia and North German Insurance Company had been filed. Ho said the case was heard before Mr Justice Edwards and a jury ia Wellington in December, when certain points of law wore reserved. The questions had been removed into , the Court of Appeal. It was desired.to ha vo the case heard at the current sittings.

While giving his evidence before tho Police Commission yesterday, Mr Tunbridge pointed out that one groat difficulty tho police found in obtaining convictions for Sunday trading against publicans was that an alleged lodger w-.fl almost invariably brought forward as the parson to whom liquor had been sold. “ Xu fact," ho added, “many publicans seem to keep a convenient l.dgsr on the premises. ’

A. meeting of creditors in the estate of William Joe Gett, of Wellington, a Chinaman trading as a shopkeeper prior to hia bankruptcy, was held at the office of the Official Assignee yesterday. The bankrupt was examined as to the businesses be had been interested in in Blenheim, Pahiatua and

Maynebank. It was decided that the Assignee should arrange with Mr Joe Toa as to the bankrupt's stock and lease; also, that steps be taken to recover the stock at Blenheim. The meeting was adjourned sine die . The annual match between the Wellington Chess Club and the Working Men’s Club will take plaoe to-morrow evening, commencing at 8 o'clock. The following will represent the former club: Littlejohn, Maokay, Mason, Still, Wright, Alien, Connell, Todd, Eason, Ollivio*, McTavish, J. G. Littlejohn, S. Maekay ; emergencies, Petheriok, Turnbull, Tanner. The Working Men's Club team is as follows Barnes, Kelling, Brown, Mason, Misson, Carmine, McKinley, Perry, B. Player, Fordkam, Peart, Godfrey, Probyn, Boas, Howard. The case of Ellis and Batger, argued earlier in the sittings, was mentioned to the Court of Appeal yesterday by Mr Johnston, counsel for the respondeat, who stated that Kenyon and Hosking’s account in the nutter, which their Honors had expressed a wish to see, had now been lodged with the Registrar. The other aide had seen the account Dr Findlay, for the appellant : “ The account has realiv been procured by us.” Mr Johnston said that further argument was desired. The Chief Justice intimated that if the account was admitted, the Court would give notice as to argument.

Reference has been made in England to the literary work which Mr Gladstone’s illness has interrupted. The most serious of the interruptions is to tho aged statesman’s autobiography. ’lhia ho had begun to write, but he was weeks ago compelled to abandon that task, being no longer able to -read or write. Mr Gladstone has taken an affectionate farewell of many of his old friends. To one of them whom he embraced, with words of deeply affecting import, he said, “No doubt I nave suffered a good deal for the last six months, but then I have had 175 months almost without pain.” It is in this spirit of unflinching fortitude that the greatest of Englishmen is bearing what ho has described as his last trial.

The tea and public mooting in connection with the anniversary of St. John’s Sunday School was held last evening, the former in the schoolroom and the latter in the ohnroh. The tea, whioh was an immense success, was provided .by the teachers, assisted by donations from members of the congregation and others, and folly 500 adults and children must have partaken of the good things provided. At the public meeting afterwards the Rev J., Paterson occupied the chair, and suitable addresses were given by the Revs J. K. Klliott and C. DaiUston Several choruses wore given by the scholars during the evening, under the baton of Mr W. Hopkirk, who is to be congratulated on the high standard of excellence attained under bis able oouduotorship. Mr Maughau Barnett presided at the orgau.

'A “social” in connection with the Webb street Primitive Methodist Church, to mark the re-opening of the building after undergoing certain renovations, was held last night, Mr J. Embnry presiding. Thera was a fairly numerous attendance of members and friends, and a capital musical programme had been arranged, the contributors towards whioh were-; Alisa Waters, who sang “Angels Ever Bright and Pair”; Mrs Wallace, “ The Toilers ” ; Miss E. Florence, “ The Children’s Chamber ” ; Mrs Henderson, “ Consider the Lilies ”: and Mr Forrest, who played as a violin solo the beautiful intermezzo from “ Oavallsria Rusticana.” The church choir, under the conductorship of Mr Forrest, sang aaveraljohoruses during the proceedings, among them being “Lay Aside Thy Fears,” “ Oh, Love of God,” “ The Call for Reapers,” “ Oar Battle Cry,” ’* Chime On ” and “ Peace be Still.” Mias Luke accompanied efficiently on the organ. The authority of Admiral Pearson has nowbeen added to that of other competent persons on the importance of having a magnetic observatory established iu How Zealand (says the Lyttelton Times). Writing In reply to a Christchurch gentleman who addressed a letter to him on the rnbjeot, the Admiral expresses the opinion that such a w -rii would be of considerable value to as owing to the dearth of magnetic observations in the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly thie portxon of it, neither the magnetic varm’ion nor the annual change .in it_ is known with that degree of accuracy which 'is essential for the purposes of naviga' ion. It may bo mentioned that at a recent conference in Sydney on this subject, Mr Barracchi stated that the estab ishroent of a magnetic observatory was a duty which Hew Zealand owed to the scientific world. As a resalt off; this and other'eipressions of opinions a commlttee was appointed to farther the object, its members being the Government^astronomers of the Australian colonies. Sir James Hector, and Mr C. C. Farr, of Christchurch. It is understood that the Government is to be approached wi*h a request to assist in the eetabhqcin ut o t a magnetic observatory.

The annual meeting of the No. 3 Cooperative Building Society of Wellington takes place at the Society’s rooms, la, Grey street, this evening. An elderly man named Roberta was arrested last night on a charge of indecent assault on a young g : rl. He was subsequently released on'bail. The funeral ot the Mr George Malcolm Clark leaves his late residence, Keefton House, '1 aranaki place, this afternoon, for the Ksrori Cemetery. “ Les Cloches de Corneville ” is to be produced by the Blenheim Amateur Operatic Society shortly. The scenery has been obtained from the Lyttelton Society. Mr W. C. Fitz “Jeral 1 is as usual to the front with facilities for vaccination, and announces free vaccination direct from the calf at his rooms to-morrow from 9 to 5 o’clock.

An extensive fiad of plumbago iosaidlo have been made near the railway line in the New Plymouth district. A discovery of a good seam ef bituminous, or coking coal, is also reported. The first annual “social ” of the bakers and carters is to take place at Whitaker’s Hall on the 23rd inst. Judging by the promises of support which its promotora have received, it should prove a splendid success. The Wellington Rugby Football Annual is to be published next Monday. It extends over 200 pages, and will be illustrated by seven reproductions of photographs. Altogether the Annual will be quite up to the standard of former years. A young man named William Lawrence was severely injured at Harrison Bros.’ sawmill, Pnkaratahi.on Monday, through a piece of wood jambing in a circular saw and striking him in tbe riba. At last reports he was in a serious condition.

What energy combined with perseverance wall do ia well exemplified by the recoct achievement of one of the latest University graduates. A tetcber at an obscure school m ono of the bush districts where tho assistance of a coach was alioeeth-'r out of the question, by her own unaided efforts, took a B.A, degree with flying colours.

Tho election of officers of the Ulster No. 6i Masonic Lodge, intone, resulted as follows :-W.ML, Bro. J. Nicholson; F.W., Bro. W Hay; A.W.,8r0. W. Inglis ; Secretiry, Bra. J. T. King (P.M.) ; Treasurer, Bro. A G. Castle ; Chaplain, the Rev A. Thomson ; S.D., Bro. G. P. McKwen; J.D.,

Bro. J, Wilson ; J G., Bro. W. B. Treseder ; D. of C., Bro. R, Motbes; Tyler, Bro. J. Byan ; F.S., Bro. G. Renai; J.S., B:o. W. Hartley; organist, Bro. F. G. Parson. A very largo audience filled the spacious auction rooms of Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co. yesterday, when that firm sold the stock of bicycles, bicycle sundries, &o , in the bankrupt estate of S I*3. Wright, The 50 bicycles elicited keen competition, and the prices realised were extremely satisfactory. Tho other portions of the stock offered sold well. Every line, comprising some 250 lots, was disposed of, Mr A. L, Wilson wielded the hammer.

The Weliington-Manawatu Railway Company’s time-table for tho Queen’s Birthday holidays ia advertised. Special arrangements have been made for the races at Otaki on tho 24th and 25th instant. Day return tickets will be issued on the Queen’s Birthday between Wellington and all stations as far as Paikakariki. From tho 21st to tho 24th instant holiday excursion tickets will bo issued over the company’s line and the NapierTaranakl section of the Government railways.

His Excellency the Governor will bald a l-vee at Government House on Tuesday, the 21th instant, in honour of the anniversary of the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. Gentlemen attending the levee will wear uniform op evening dress, ’i hose having cards for the private entree are requested to attend not later than 345 p.m. Each gentleman is requested to bring two cards, on each of which his name must be distinctly written. One of the cards must be given up in the hall, and the other is to be handed to the officer announcing the names to His Excellency. A meeting of the Fire Brigade’s Sports and Demonstration Committee was held last night, at which certain alterations were made in the list of prizes previously published The wrestling event will now bo worth £2 10a ; the D. 1.0. trophy, valued at .£3 3s, was allotted for presentation to the winner of the Ladies’ Bicycle Race; Mr Kraus’ prize goes to the third man in the Firemen’s Race ; and Mr White’s trophy, valued at 10s, to the first past the in the Girls* Bicycle Race. The handicaps for the pedestrian and bicycle events are advertised in this issue. Among the cyclists in the lists arc such well-known riders as A. C. Forbes, A Ralston, A. Maxwell, J, Blade, B. Hendry, J. Chalmers, A. M. Humphreys, H, Lyon, W. Staokwood, M. Bennett and McCabe (Nelson). The flat runners include McCabe, VY, Gibson, D.Donn, J. K. Wingate, 0. M. Gardener, A. Rutland. T. J. Baker, J. Miles and J. D. Wells, in the hurdles aro

W. H. Arnott, F. Baker and 'X*. E Knelson. The Garrison Band will plav at the sports, which promise to be successful in every way. A special meeting of the committee of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children was held on Monday for tbs purpose of selecting a collector. Ther** wore six applicants, and Mrs Alfred Waters was unanimously chostn. As the "number of oases which had come under the secretary’s notice since the last meeting were so numerous and important, it was decided to hold a regular committee meeting to dispose or the business. The secretary (Lady Stout) reported that she had received 20 visits and paid four on Society business during the fortnight, and that two members of the committee had each paid five visits of investigation in connection with oases. Three oases were reported to be on the way to satisfactory settlement. Other cases are under investigation. The secretary said that from what had come under her notice t-he was assured that there was great need for the Society in Wellington, and she hoped that the public would not hesitate to write to her and communicate any oases which required attention. All communications wore treated as strictly confidential. Thomas’ Hall was all too small last night for tin large assemblage of whirl’ employees and theic-'frien is who attended the inaugural “ social ” promoted by those of their number anxious to foster the social spirit amongst their fellow-worker*. The proceedings were moat animated, the icene when dancing was at its height being a brilliant and exhilarating one. Amongst the guoets wore the R’ght Hon the Premie**, Mrs Soddon and Miss Mary Stuart Seddon, and the Hons W. Hall-Jonea and T. Thompson, with memboia of their families. Mr Seddon led off the dancing with his accustomed vigour, quite discounting the rumours which have recently boon circulated as to his fading constitution. Some of the drosses worn by the ladles were extremely pretty, tartan, of course, being predominant. During intervals songs and stop dances wore: contributed by several ladies and gentlemen, and the presence of a bagpipe stirred a portion of the assemblage to a great pitch of enthusiasm. Mr Skinner provided a nice supper, and Mr Fischer’s string bind played excellent dance music. At the conclusion of the “ social” three hearty cheers were given for the Premier.

The Mechanics* Institute, Lower Hufct, was crowded last night when, after being closed for some time, the Institute was formally reopened. In the absence of Mr H. D. Bell, who could not attend owing to an important engagement in town, the Rev Mr Gray, secretary to the Institute, occupied the chair. After a few remarks as to the new start tbo Institute was making, he introduced Mr Charles Wilson, who gave a short address, dealing with the benefits to be derived from mechanics’ institutes and public libraries. Mr Wilson informed the meeting that Mr H. A. Field, M.H.R. for Otaki, who had been very dangerously ill, regretted that he could not be present, and sent a message of congratul ition to the settlors upon the fact that the Institute was once again open. Dr Purdy also addressed the meeting, pointing that the Institute started with 178 members and had, he hoped, a prosperous future before it. He moved a hearty vole of thanks to Mr Wilson for having come out from town on very short notice. In acknowledging the vote of thank*, Mr Wilson made a humorous little speech on the diversity of tastes ia literature, and promised to come out during the winter and give the members a lecture on Charles Dickons. A vote of thinks to the chairman concluded a highly, successful meeting.

Tonking’a Linseed Emulsion is poetically recommended for colds.

Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co. will hold a special sale of horses at Sinclair’s stables, Molesworth street, to-morrow.

In this issue Madame Heller announces Saturday as the last day of her season in Wellington. Tenders for the additions to a residence in Bullet street, called for by Mr Douglas, architect, close at noon to-day. Dividend warrants of the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand are now obtainable at the company's offices. TO-DAY'S AUCTION SALES. The balance of the stock-in-trade in the bankrupt estate of S. E. Wright is to ba sold at the Featherston street workshop this morning.- The auctioneers, Messas Macdonald, Wilson and Co., specially note in the advertisement that besides th£ engine, lathe, enamelling oven, trade tools, steel rims, &c., there are 15 bioyolos and two tandems in coarse of repair, which will be sold singly. Most of these machines are only slightly damaged, Mr \V. F, Shortt will to-day sell at his mart, Willis street, furniture, a bicycle and sundrles.