LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 3777, 27 June 1899, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Chief Justice will sit in Chambers at 11 o’clock this morning. Mr Justice Edwards will take the civil business. A Brindisi mail was brought on from Sydney by the Talune, which ■ arrived here early yesterday morning. Some of the passengers on the Wairarapa trains complain that the old, oil lamps have not yet been done away with In some of the carriages, although gi'.s has been introduced, the light is so economised that reading in an impossibility. Mrs Blake, who was sentenced to imprisonment for life in Wellington somr years ago for attempting to poison her husband, is now in the Terrace Gaol suffering from a complication of diseases, and her case is considered hopeless. The returns of immigration to and emigration from the colony during the month of May are published. The arrivals numbered 1261 and the departures 1543. For the corresponding period last year the figures were : —Arrivals, 1211; departures, 1614. Californian redwood is said to be a capital timber for replacing the natural forests of New Zealand. It will grow in any locality, and on almost any soileven among stones when there is no soil at all. In about thirty years the timber is fit for milling. Mr John Holmes has consented to deliver an address to the Wellington Industrial Association on Tuesday next, setting out some of his experiences during his recent visit to the Old Country, Europe and America. The lecture will be illustrated by means of lantern slides After remaining all through the summer and autumn months in an unapproachable condition, the fine bridge built over the Ruamahunga rivr, at Te Whiti, about four miles from Masterton, is being rendered fit for wheel.traffic, the Government having assisted the Masterton Road Board to make the approaches.

The East Puketoi settlers in the remote parts of the Forty-mile Bush, are petitioning the Land Board for a revaluation of their holdings with a view to a reduction of rent. It is very generally, admitted by competent authorities that a good deal of the land about Pongaroa has been over valued. The petition- will probably be dealt with at the meeting of the Board on. Thursday. Rainbow trout, a beautifullly marked fish, which affords splendid sport for anglers, are thiving wonderfully in some of the rivers in the Forty-mile Bush, notably the Mangahao and Makuri., The Acclimatisation Society, it is understood, has decided that the brown trout and other varieties do not get along hapnily in the same streams and rivers, and in future it is proposed to reserve different rivers for distinct varieties.

The ratepayers of Gladstone have instructed their Road Board to accept the contribution of £l5O offered by the people of Masterton, and nroceed with the construction of a bridge over the Taueru river, near the homestead of Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. This bridge will bring the people of Gladstone and the East Coast, including Kaiwhata, Holmwood and Flat Point, within easy reach of both Masterton and Carterton. At the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, Mr E. Bucholz was presented by Mr D. T. Stuart, the president of the Sharebrokers' Association, on behalf of the members of the association, with a handsome spirit case, as a mark of their esteem on the occasion of! his approaching marriage. After the recipient had returned \thanks, the health of Mr Bucholz and his future wife was proposed by Mr L. H. B. Wilson, and toasted with enthusiasm.

The blocking of Willis and Manners streets on Saturday nights by persons interested in itinerant cheap-jacks and showmen was referred to bv Councillor McGill at the Public Works Committee meeting last night, and it was resolved to ask the Inspector of Police to have the “move on” bylaw enforced.

Councillor J. P. Luke is agitating in the City Council for the erection of additional urinals, to be placed at Clyde quay and at the northern end of the Basin Reserve; also that the convenience near the Fire Brigade Station be removed to the bottom of Taranaki street. The City Engineer has rhe matter in hand. It was mentioned by Councillor Barber at tbe Public Works Committee meeting last night that the Harbour Board would probably require ai <;m £6OOO worth of spoil in eon auction with its reclamation works. Councillor Barber suggested that if a road to Kilhirnie were pushed on with, the material required by the Board could- be obtained from the cuttings.

The gold production of Victoria has, since the discovery of gold in 1851 to the end of last month, exceeded sixty-three millions of ounces, valued at £252,000,000 sterling. Some years ago tuere was a depression in the gold production of Victoria, but during the past three or four years mining in that colony has undergone a revival. In the past five months 317.672 ounces have been produced, and the yield for May totalled 67,796 ounces, and the dividends paid by the operating raining companies since the first of January, 1899, amounts ro £228,191.

Informations have been laid against W. A. Donald, H. Coogah and R. S. Henry (three persons recently disqualified by the Masterton Racing Club in connection with what is known as the “Ethel ringing-in case”) charging them with attempting to defraud the ciub, and conspiring to defraud the club ol tne amount of the stakes. The case will be heard in Wellington on July 10th. Summonses have also been issued against Henry and Coogan for an alleged attempt to defraud the Ashburton Racing Club of an amount of stakes under similar circumstances.

The Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, last night congratulated Councillor Fraser on his recent appointment to a seat in the Legislative Council. Mr Blair paid willing testimony to the zeal with which Councillor Fraser had performed many important functions in the city, and heartily congratulated him on a well-deserved honour, the duties attaching to which he felt sure Councillor Fraser would fulfil creditably. (“Hear, hear.”) Councillor Fraser, in reply, thanked the Mayor and Councillors very much for their congratulations. He hoped he would complete his present term in the Council without finding his civic clash with his Parliamentary duties. He was now in his eleventh year of member of the City Council, and he would like to finish his twelfth consecutive year as a Councillor before relinquishing- the position. Councillor Izard threatens to go to the expense of obtaining the City Solitor’s opinion as to how tar the City Council is legally justified _in making grants in aid for the repan- of rights-of-way. This is in conseqnenc ? of a motion being carried, at the instance of'the Mayor, by ten votes to.two, that the Council contribute half the cost of putting the right-of-way next tho National Hotel in repair. Persons who chance to use this alley just now think •they are for the nonce in what the 'Governor’s Speech called the back blocks. '

Court Lady Glasgow, No. 8261, held its half-yearly meeting last evening in the Foresters’ Hall, Lamb-ton quay, CiR.- Sister Smith presiding. The election of 1 officers resulted’as follows; C.R. Sister E. Larnach, S.C.R. Sister A. Jackson, S.W. Sister L. Duncan, J.W. Sister M. Ritson, S.B. Sister Hibbert, J.B. Sister Miller, secretary Sister N. Aston, treasurer. Sister J. B. Russell, auditor Sister N. Hibbert, D.C.R. Bro, Kershaw, D.S.C.R. Bro. Fredericks, D.S.W. Bro. Hayes, D.J.W. Bro. Jarman, D.S.B. Bro. G. Keys, D.J.B. Bro. H. Helliwell, D. sec. Bro. A. Whiteford, I), treas. Bro. H. Birch. Tu-c. candidates were proposed for admission.

At the inquest touching the death of the man named John Hearne, held at the Hospital before the District Coroner, Mr Ashcroft, yesterday afternoon, Mr Moore, seamen’s miss ion er,' asked the jury to make representations to the publicans urging them not to supply seamen with drink when partly intoxicated. Ho said lie had seen numbers of fatal accidents from that cause. The foreman said it was the police to whom he should apply. The Coroner remarked that no doubt they would second Mr Moore’s laudable efforts to stop the evil. - A verdict of accidental death was returned. The Public Works Committee of the Melrose Borough Council has made the following recommendations, which will be considered at the meeting of the Council this evening : —(1) That a property owner at Kilbirnie be informed, in reply to his communication, that the Council cannot undertake the responsibility of keeping his land clear of stray cattle ; (2) that the application of Messrs E. H. Beere and Son for permission to effect improvements to a building at Roseneath and to deposit-spoil on the side of the Evans Bay road be granted, subject to the wol-k being done to the satisfaction of the engineer; (3) that rates be collected on church properties, unless occupied bv buildings, in terms of the Rating Act, 1894; (4) that the Council disclaims aiiy responsibility with regard to the present drainage on section 48b, Kilbirnie : (5) that a legal opinion be obtained as to the ultimate position of the approach road, and the upper portion of Grafton road, Roseneith. Councillor Frost’s motion, of which he has given notice, will also come on for consideration. The motion is as follows ; —“That a return showing the ainount expended in works and materials for each w'ard be made out every month, and that a copy be nlaced before each Councillor at every Council meeting.” Sitting in Chambers yesterday, the Chief Justice went through the Supreme Court civil list, and fixed cases for hearing on the following dates: —Special jury of twelve—Harold G. M. Maitland v. Patrick G. Howden and another, 6th July; O’Meara and another v. Wellington City Corporation, 17th July. Without a jury—William McLeod v. Rangimocke and others, 24th July; Richard Woodman v. Rewi Maaka and others, 25th July; Wilhelm Spaethe v. J. D. Anderson, 26th July. Common jury of four—Edmond Bouvy v. Count de Upurte, 30th June. Common jury of twelve — C. W. Tanner v. Mary J. Smith and others, 27th June ; Harry Moore v. Thos. Minogue, 29th June; Janet Winifred Deacon v. Arthur Selhy, Ist July. Special jury of twelve —General Exploration Company v. Edward Purser, _ 12th «uly. Without a jury—Andrew Wischnewsky, v. Monika Wischnewsky, 27th July; J. Staples and Co. v, H. B. Tucker, 28th July: Wakamarina Golden Bar . Goldmining Company v. H. P. Rawson and others, 10th July: Williamson and Musgrove v. Walter Dalgleish and others, 21st July; William Shaw v. John P. Russell and another, 31st July; J. C. McKerrow and another v. Jamieson Bros., 12th July. Divorce cases will be heard as follows : —Rapley v. Rapley and Hill v. Hill, Ist August; Eckhoff v. Eckhoff and Lew v. Levy, 2nd August; Cooksley v. Cooksley, 3rd July.

The Harbour Board estimates that it | -will cost about £3OOO to instal new Land enlarged water mains for fire-pre-vention purposes at its wharves. Mr Jordan, the champion draughts player, met a team consisting of •Messrs Partridge, Wilson, Smith. Hoi - mansen, Reid, Parris, Reece, Ke’hng, Kemp and Bowman at the Nags Hoad Hotel last night. He played a senes of games, and won all but those against Messrs Kemp and Parris, which were drawn.

At a meeting held to form a Hockey Association, rules and regulations analogous to those of the Football Association were submitted and appioved. It was decided that the affairs of the association should be governed by a management committee consisting ol the officers of the association and the delegates .of each club. Rules were also drawn up for 111-ter-olub contests. The . annual general meeting of the association wnl take place at Mr A. T. Bate’s office next Monday at 8 o’clock. At the Art Gallery last night the Wellington Camera Club closed its exhibition. Mr Malcolm Ross delivered an address on “Samoa in War Time.” Thera was a good attendance. The lecturer, who was introduced by Mr W. IMcliellan, vice-president of the club, described in an interesting manner the late disturbance in the Group, and referred particularly to the go id work done by Lieutenant Gaunt, R.N., m subduing the rebellion. Scenes in the Islands and of various engageiiionts-£il:n the natives were illustrated by beautiful lantern slides shown with limelight effects. James Harding, the old age pensioner, who it wall be remembered was picked up in an unconscious state on the Old Porirua road on the 9th of June, died in the Hospital at 3 o’clock yesterday morning. Deceased was going to his home at Taira Flat, and it is generally supposed walked over the side of the road and fell to the rocks beneath. He was picked up by a young man named John Cody, who conveyed him to his tent. An inquest was held by the District Coroner, Mr Ashcroft, 'at the Hospital yesterday afternoon, when the jury expressed commendation of Cody’s conduct in taking the man to his tent and caring for him. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

Under the School Attendance Act seventeen parents were charged in the Magistrate’s Court, before Mr W. It. Haselden, S.M., yesterday morning, with having failed to send their children to school. Fines of 2s, without costs, were imposed on Fred Boyd, Mary Hawkins, John M. Healey, George Midgley, Hannah Kearney, William Knox, Sam Pndmore, John Xtadford, G. A. Stratford and Orlando Winnie. The remaining cases were adjourned. The Magistrate, in commenting on the cases, said care must he taken lest too many prosecutions should be brought against parents, and the education system rendered tnereby unpopular. '

The twenty-sixth anniversary of the Pioneer Lodge, No. 11, 1.0.G.T., was celebrated by a conversazione held in the Rechabite Hall, Manners street, last night. The hall was crowded, and the entertainment was a great success. Mr John Hutcheson, M.H.R., who was in the chair, gave a short address. Songs were contributed by Misses Blair, White, Watson and Billman. Mesdames McEwen, Gosney and Lucas, and Messrs Flaws, Kettel and Bowden. Recitations were given by Messvi Round, Petherick and Hales, and a mandoline solo by Mr Bedell. Mrs McEwan and Mr Brown sang a Scotch duet, “My Boy Tammy,” and Miss Blair played ail overture by Mozart. The concert items were followed by an amusing farce entitled “A Regular Tartar,” in which Mrs Lucas, Miss Mahnr, Messrs Burton, Jackson, Jones, Morris and Master Lambert took part. Capital refreshments were supplied by Mr Mawson.

Three first-offending drunkards were fined 5s or twenty-four hours’ imprisonment by Mr Wi It. Haselden, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. G. McGee, for habitual drunkenness, was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment. The charge of the theft of a blouse, valued at 10s, the property of Mrs Bull, which was brought against Maggie Hargreaves last week and adjourned, was dismissed. Fines of us each, with 12s costs, were inflicted on Charlotte Brialev, Teresa Briggs, John Campbell, J. L. Engel, T. Kelliher and J. C. Kelby for having, allowed cattle, etc., to wander in the Melrose Borough. J. Partridge was fined £l, with 12s costs, tor having allowed a bull to wander on the Queen’s Drive. Mr Skerrett appeared for the prosecution. William Nolan wis sentenced to three days’ imprisonment for disobeying a maintenance order. . Court Robin Hood, No. 4428. held its half-yearly meeting in the Foresters’ Hall,' Tory street, last night, liic Chief Ranger, Bro. C. J. Johnston, presided. The election of officers :ir the ensuing half-year resulted as follows : —C.R. Bro. Walker (unopoosvd), S.C.R. Bro. Ferguson, treasurer Bio. Word (re-elected), secretary Bro. Webber (re-elected), Son. Woodward Bro. Jackson, Jun. Woodward Bro. Hardy. Sen. Beadle Bro. Howell, Jun. Bead'e J. H. Mills, minute secretary Bro. Fredric (re-elected), auditor Bro Hughes. Following were the nominations for district officers: —D.C.R. Bro Kershaw, of Court Sir Wm. Jervois;,. D.S.C.R. Bro. Fredric, of Courts Rouin Hood: D.S.W. Bro. Haves, of Court Sir Win. Jervois; D.J.W. Bro. Jarman, of Court Epuni; D.S.B. Bro. Keys, of Court Sir Geo. Grey: D.J.BBro. C. J. Johnston, of Court Rohm Hood; district auditor Bro. H. J. Mills, of Court Robin Hood. One now member was proposed.

A meeting of the committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held yesterday, Mr A. 11. Atkinson presiding. The following donations were acknowledged:—Per col-lector—-Messrs W. T. Glasgow,- 10s; -A. T. Bate, 10s 6d; W. Stidolph, 2s 6d. Per Mr J. S. Jameson —A Friend, £2; Jones and Co., ss; Band of Mercy, 9d; Mr Jameson, 10s 6d: total.- £3 19s 3d. The inspector reported that he had come across a number of cases in which horses were being badly treated. Several instances were quoted of horses being worked while lame or while suffering from sore shoulders. Some of the animals used in the gravel pits at Berhampor© seemed to be continually subjected to this form of cruelty, and the committee directed its officer to keep a strict watch on the owners. ■ Referring generally to the treatment of horses, the inspector, in his report, said, “Many poor old horses are being worked in the streets of Wellington. Most of them are very lame, and to my mind totally unfit for work, and should be destroyed.” The society will probably take action in connection with the question.- It having been found that the poultry brought up in crates from Lyttelton to Wellington by the Union Company’s steamers were frequently too closely packed, and tnat no arrangements were made to provide the birds with food or water, it was resolved to . obtain legal aovioe regarding the liability of common carriers to care for animals placed in their charge. A report was : received from Johnson vi It? that twenty-three ]ligs sold there last week had been left for about two days without food or water. The poor brutes were so hungry- that thev gnawed the woodwork of the pens. It was decided to make further inquiries into the subject, and also to write to the persons responsible.

The Anglican Diocesan Synod will bo opened in the Diocesan Library tomorrow afternoon.

A meeting of the Assessment Court will be held on the oth July at the Magistrate’s Court, for the purpose of hearing and determining objections to tljo amended valuation lists of the several wards of the city of Wellington.