LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4595, 25 February 1902, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The special article to be published in our issue of to-morrow (Wednesday) should prove of great interest at the present juncture, when the slanders of the German press and the inmgnation evoked bv them are fresh in the public mind. Mr J. W. Joynt, Registrar of the University of New Zealand, in this article gives an historical sketch of the rise and progress of Berlin, the German capital cityT and incidentally cf the Hohenzollem dvnasty. It is one of the romances of history’, told in scholarly style, and in a way that should secure the interest of all readers. The Westland Land _ Board has received a letter from the Under-Secre-tary of Lands in regard to the action of sawmiliers in placing sawdust in Lake Brunner and neighbouring streams .and has decided to take action to prevent the evil.

Regulations framed by a Maori Council a,nd published in the “Gazette,” speak of “Assyrian” hawkers. A correspondent asks whether it is not Syrian hawkers that are meant. He inclines to the belief that the Assyrians are just about as extinct as it is possible, for any; race to become.

Colonial mails which left Melbourne on 22:id January arrived in London on the 23rd inst., clue date. Mr Justice Williams v/ill hold a sitting in Chambers this morning. Afterwards tho divorce case of Smith v. Smith will bo adjudicated upon. Tho Coroner is awaiting further evidence with regard to the circumstances surrounding tho death of an infant that died at Makara last Saturday, before deciding to bold an inquest. Messrs Eric Wbitcombc (Kaitawa), W. H. Kidd, M.H.11. (Wellington), S. Bolton (Makuri), Robert Lee (Butt) and W. A. Evans (Wellington) have been nominated for llio vacancy on the Wellington Education Board.

Tho Hon. C. 11. Mills, member for Wairan, is forwarding to the .secretary of tho Marlborough Education Board tho two M.11.R. medals for 1901, which worn gained by pupils of tho Kcnwiek School, as reported at tho time. Ono thing wanting at both the Thorndon and To Aro Baths is stabling for bicycles, which at present haves to he stacked just wherever a suitable place can bn found for them, with a result beneficial to neither tho buildings nor tho machines. Tho Coroner, Mr J. Ashcroft, held an inquest on the body of Isabel Broderick, who died at the Terraco Gaol on Sunday night. The post-mortem showed that death was due to heart failure, tho result of disease of that organ. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with this testimony. Following is a list, of tho tenders received by the Marine Department for alterations, additions and repairs to the Government steamer Hincmoa: —Geo. Fraser and Sons, Ltd., Auckland, £2oio (accepted); Scagor Bros., Auckland, £2309; W. Cable and Co., Wellington, £2600; Morgan, Cable and Co., Port Chalmers, £2625 Ss; S. Luke and Co., Ltd., Wellington, £2782 10s; Dunedin Engineering Company, Dunedin, £3500 lb was reported at tho animal meeting of tho Coromandel School of Mines that the Minister had sanctioned various additions and improvements to the public battery, including an increased water supply- Those were to bo made subject to the approval of the Inspector of Mines. The school is now replete with all necessary appliances for the imparting of tho full course of instruction proscribed by tho Government regulations.

At the last meeting of tho Westland Land Board, tho Commissioner produced a list of blocks of rural land and Crown land which were to bo gazetted open for application. Tho list comprised all unsold lands within tho townships o! Greymouth, Kuinara, Hokitika and Kokatahi, and in the districts of Hohoini, Turiwhate, Otira, Kanieri Lake, Karohaka Valley, Kokatahi, Koiterangi, Fergusons. Lake Xanthe, "Wanganui, Pocrua, Dry Creek, Wataroa and Mapourika. For a number of years the areas in question have been locked up. A feature in tho ceremony connected with tho hoisting of the New Zealand ensign at the native school at Waimana, Bay of Plenty, was unique. Most of the oldor Maori men present had fought against the flag they were honouring. To Whiu, who performed tho ceremony, was ono of To Kooti’s ablest generals, and hears tho marks of throe severe wounds received at tho hands'of British troops. He fought from Galatoa to Gisborne. in all the leading engagements. In has speech lie expressed his pleasure in hoisting the symbol of unity of Maori and Pakcha.

The case of James Collins v. Richard Keene, a remanet from tho last civil sessions of the Supremo Court, has been fixed for hearing on tho sth of March. Tho claim is for £750 damages, and the case will he tried by a Special jury of four. On tho following day will bo taken the claim of Goo. Alfred Harrowby against Rouse and Hurrell for £750, on account of injuries done to a hand. This case will bo tried by a special jury of twelve. To-morrow morning the hearing of the case Loddcr, Lodder and Murphy against tho Karori Borough Council, claim for £IO7O 5s damages, will bo begun before a common jury of twelve.

Tho Premier is reported to have said at Seddonville tho other day that ho estimated that £40.000 would start two State coalmines. Ho intended to send down experts to decide tho system of working the Cardiff, and ho asked practical minors to advise tho experts. There was, ho said, going to bo a further dearth of coal in N«?w Zealand next winter. t Tho private companies, which wero not satisfied with a fair profit, had whipped it on to tho Government, while other consumers also complained. The only way to meet this situation was to fix a maximum price for coal. He denied that he had over said to anybody that the Government would not interfere with private enterprise in tho coal industry. The Government woidd work harmoniously with private owners, but would fix tho price of coal and standard of wages. It was a crying shamo that this colony should he importing coal from Newcastle. Marksmen are beginning to arrive in town on route to Trentham, where the first annual meeting of the New Zealand Defence Forces Rifle Association will commence next Thursday. There is likely to bo at this meeting one of tho biggest musters of competitors ever known in tho history of Now Zealand rifle-shooting. Tho camp will bo under tho charge of Lieutenant-Colonels Sommervillo and Collins, assisted by Mr F. W. Williams (Rifle Club’s representative), Captain Turner (range adjutant), and Sergeant Roacho (secretary). Tho range is now open for practice. Near the range tents are to be erected for the accommodation of competitors, and straw for bedding will bo provided. There are eighteen, matches to he shot oft at the meeting, and it is anticipated the competitions will extend over tho whole of next week. A 600yds pool target will he continuously open during the meeting (2ft bull’seye, with 14in central). A revolver pool and “running man” competition is also proposed to bo held. An injunction was sought in the Supreme Court yesterday to restrain Himiona Tahuhu, of Chatham Islands, from trespassing upon land belonging to Edward R. Chudleigh, on ono of those islands. Mr Morison appeared for the respondent, and asked for an adjournment of the case so that defendant might attend tho Court. Mr Chapman, for tho petitioner, objected to any postponement. Ho could call evidence that would clearly establish the right of his client to tho land, and he could also prove that defendant and other natives who lived on tho land constantly interfered with the sheep of Mr Chudleigh, who had been compelled to remove them for safety’s sake. An adjournment for any lengthy period, Mr Chapman urged, would give tho natives time to bolster up a case. Eventually Mr Justice Williams granted an interim injunction restraining defendants from further trespass. The case was then adjourned until the 21st April next, costs of the present application to be dealt with, on that occasion.

The question of widening Willis street was considered by the City Council in committee last night. Nominations for tho principal events at tho Blenheim Hibernian Society’s sports on St. Patrick’s Day close tomorrow' with Mr John Barry (secretary), Blenheim.

In view of tho plague epidemic in Sydney, tho Public Health Department has decided to enforce clause 14 of tho Quarantine Regulations against vessels arriving in New Zealand from New South Wales ports. This clause requires ships to bo fumigated, and certain precautions to be observed when tho vessels arc moored at wharves. Tho crew of the Kawatiri Rowing Club, which won tho Champion Fours at Petono recently, have presented Mr G. 11. Bethuno (captain of tho Star Boating Club, Wellington), with a pair of powerful marine glasses and a silver spirit flask in recognition of his courtesy and assistance to them during their visit to Wellington. Dr Grattan Guinness, who by request of some •prominent citizens has extended his stay in this city for two nights extra, delivered an address in Wesley Church, Taranaki street, last night.’ Tho odifico was well filled, and tho remarks of the lecturer were received with apparent approval. This evening Dr Guinness will again lecture at tho same place, the occasion being his final appearance in Wellington.

With regard to what has boon said as to tho relationship of tho Education Department and the Wellington Education Board concerning tho continued employment of surplus teachers, wo are informed by tho secretary of tho department that it is incorrect to state that any friction has arisen on tho subject. So far as tho employment of surplus pupil teachers is concerned, that question is capable of amicable arrangement. Tho Wellington Presbytery will meet in tho church. Lower Hutt, to-day, at 3 p.m., for tho ordination of Mr Marshall. Tho Rev. W. Shirer will preside, tho Rev. A. Thomson will address the minister, and tho Rev. J. K. Elliott will address the people. Tho Presbytery will meet in Greytown on Thursday, at 3 p.m., for the ordination of Mr Brown. Tho Rev. D. Martin will preside, tho Rov. A. Thomson will address tho minister, and the Rev. R. Wood will address tho people. A deputation representing tho Westport Labour Union waited upon the Premier at Westport, and brought up tho question of the low rate of wages paid to casual hands on tho local railway. Air Seddon is reported to have promised to lay tho matter before the Minister for Railways. He agreed that 7s a day was too low. Air Harney, a member of the deputation, asked that the duty on their banner should be remitted. The Premier found fault with tho union for importing their banner, but as they made a mistake he would let their banner in free this time.

As tho shipping companies acting as carriers between tho Old Country and this have sold some vessels to make room for more modern ones, and other ships have gone the way of all such craft, it is no longer possible (says the “Colonist”) to find sufficient sailing vessels that can enter Nelson harbour. A cargo was awaiting a vessel last month, but no sailing ship can bo despatched from London before April, or perhaps May. While some of the cargo is to be sent on by steamer at great expense, other goods which Cannot stand high freights will have to remain in store for three or four months, and local consumers will have to pay more dearly for their requirements. In tho opinion of Messrs Mestayer and Ferguson, tho City Council should for tho present have at least three inspectors of water fittings. On this subject their report to the Waterworks Committee contains tho following passage:—“Wo understand that at tho present time tho Conhcil lias only one special inspector of water fittings. We are strongly of opinion that this provision is totally inadequate. As there are about 9500 buildings in tho city, the inspector would have to inspect more than thirty per diem if ho only paid them ono visit in each year. Wo are of opinion that not less than three visits each year should he paid to all premises within tho city, and in somo cases whore experience shows it to be necessary, even more. We strongly recommend that until tho leakage is materially reduced, an inspector should ho on duty during at least eight hours every night, as detection of leakage by sound is then much more easily effected.” When the criminal sessions were on in Wellington this month an exciting .experience befell two bondsmen. The person for whom they were sureties got drunk while coming down from tho Wairarapa, and when the train stopped at Kaitoko ho went into the neighbouring scrub and there wont to sleep. When the ■ morning of his trial came (next day) the bondsmen were in great trepidation at tho non-appearance of their man. After much scouring of highways and hedges tho missing man was found in the lock-up. He had come on from Kaitoke to Wellington and here ho had again drunk deeply and got himself arrested. The sureties at this juncture were on the horns of a dilemma, for their man was duo in two Courts sitting at tho one time. The proverbial luck of drunken men, however, saved the sureties’ stakes. The necessity of delivering a lengthy Appeal Court judgment caused the sitting of the criminal sessions to bo delayed for half an hour, and in this timo the accused was convicted of drunkenness, gained his liberty by payment of a fine, surrendered to his bail in time, and was duly convicted of his offence, and sent to expiate it by a short imprisonment. Our Christchurch correspondent states that Professor Bickerton, who is professor of chemistry at Canterbury College, has been creating a considerable sensation in the scholastic and scientific world in Christchurch. He has been at loggerheads with the College Governors for somo time past, and recently wrote a pamphlet, in which ho ridiculed the governors and, in tho eyes of many, showed scant respect for tho feelings of his brother professors. It was a peculiar publication, entitled “The Perils of a Pioneer,” tho professor being the pioneer who was being sacrificed because his methods were ahead of the times, or at least in advance of those in control at Canterbury College. Even the professor’s friends admit that his ways are peculiar, hut they say it is the eccentricity of genius. However, a committee of tho governors is now enquiring as to what had better bo done about him. Yesterday the governors met and passed votes of tho “gravest censure,” etc., on account of the professor’s remarkable publications, and further 'developments are being awaited with interest. Up to the present Professor Bickerton has had the best of the “argument,” tho governors being disunited as to the best means of dealing with the astonishing effusions hurled at them, i

Councillor Nathan, at last night’s moot ing of the City Council, condemned members who thought they knew more about tho city water supply question than engineering experts. Tito following boys of the Marist Brothers’ School passed tho Civil Service examination Charles W. Casey, James J. Butler, Joseph J. Cullen and Charles Kirk Smith.

The City Council, at its special meeting last night, struck a special rate of lOd in tho £1 to provide interest and sinking fund on tho loan of £330,000 for tramways, street paving and Town Hall.

Tho steamer Westralia, from Dunedin, took ground inside tho lightship when entering Bluff harbour at 6 o’clock yesterday morning. She floated off at midday without damage. She sailed for Melbourne at night. Tho Government inspection of the Petono Navals, which was to have taken place this evening, has been postponed, to allow of tho "social’' to Lieutenant Hardham, V.C. Tho liattery will parade at the Potone Railway Station at 7.30 this evening.

The Talbot Relief Fund, which is being raised by tho Mayor of Wellington, ucnv amounts to £75 15s, having been increased by one subscription— R., £1 Is. Tho following amounts have been handed to Mr A. Earl for addition to tho fund: —M.E.B., 2s Gd; T. R. Ellison, 2s Gd; J.8.F., ss: Edw. Wilson, 21s; Young and Tripe, 10s; Hamerton and Andrew, 10s Gd; Department ot Labour, 14s; Anonymous, 2s Gd.

The absence of cels from Lake Waikaremoana has long been noted. The reports to- this effect made by Maoris aro confirmed by a public officer who is visiting Wellington, after having been engaged on road work near Gala tea for the last two years. This gentleman adds, however, that trout aro so numerous in tho lako that he has occasionally been kept awake at night by tho uoiso they made when in pursuit of food.

A great deal of trouble and misconception in connection with Volunteer bands of New Zealand arises from a name which is given to somo of them. If tho so-called “garrison” bands received an adequate regular remuneration from tho Government, their services could he reckoned upon with more reason for military ceremonies. To give the title “garrison” to bands which have to depend very largely on public donations has the effect of leading to undesirable misunderstandings. By advertisement appearing in this morning’s paper it is notified that old boys of tho Thorndon School who have not been approached by any members of the committee set up to collect subscriptions for a testimonial to Mr W. Mowbray, the retiring headmaster of the school, will be given an opportunity of subscribing to the fund between 7.30 and 8 to-morrow evening. At that time the secretary and treasurer will bo in attendance to meet intending contributors. Tho fund is being subscribed to by both old girls and hoys. A mooting of tho committee is called for 8 p.m. to-morrow.

The monthly meeting of the Uppsr Hutt branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in Dalton’s Hall, Upper Hutt, on Saturday evening. Mr Andrew Gorrio, chairman of tho branch, presided. Correspondence from the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Fire Insurance Association was read, and the secretary was asked to seek further information from the headquarters of the association. Tho question of increasing members’ subscriptions, raised by the Palmerston executive, wa(s discussed, and a resolution was unanimously adopted averring branch found tho present subscription ample to meet its requirements, and' suggesting the rules should he amended so as to empower branches to strike levies on their own members, to cover any deficiency which may arise. The matter of dedicating a day annually as “Union Day” received consideration, and an unanimous vote in favour of the proposal was recorded. The next monthly meeting of the branch was announced for tho 22nd March, in the same hall. It was stated that the subjects for discussion on that occasion would bo “The Operation of tho Noxious Weeds Act” and “Federation.”

At tho annual meeting of the Otago Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, tho senior vice-president Mr G. Fenwick, who occupied tho chair, said the difficulties in their way were numerous, and the principal difficulty was want of a strong finance to enable them to send their inspector through the country districts, where cruelty to animals was more common, because it was not so much under tho public aye as in the cities. They had, however, a fairly respectable sum to credit now, and he hoped tho work of tho ensuing year would be more aggressive in some respects than hitherto. There was particularly one practice that was carried on in the country districts—probably one of the most atrociously cruel known to civilised society—that he would refer to, and that was the dehoming of cattle. It was obvious that the operation was not only a painful one, but that it was a practice so cruel that it should bo stamped out by every civilised community at all hazards. The practice was now pretty well stamped out at Horae. He felt that tho society was bound to take up this matter. After reading what ho had, the practice, in his judgment, was so atrociously cruel that ho felt the society would be failing in its duty if it refrained longer from taking tho matter up. No improvements in the Wellington water supply can be considered adequate which do not include provision for removing at any rate tho'grosser impurities from the water. This is an opinion strongly expressed by Messrs Mestayer and Ferguson in their report, which came before tho City Council last night. The consulting engineers state:—“We are of opinion that a simple form of mechanical straining would be found sufficient to meet all reasonable requirements. Wo have, therefore, included a sura of £7OOO in our estimate, which sum, wo believe, will prove sufficient to cover tho cost of efficient strainers for both tho supplies. Wo recommend that tho City Engineer obtain full particulars and estimates of the various forms of mechanical strainers and filters in the market, in order that the most suitable type may be adopted. After the new reservoir at Wainui has been completed wo recommend that the present reservoir shall be thoroughly cleansed, and the existing dam repaired, so that the present leakage, which, in our opinion, is an element of danger, may be stopped. When the 'concrete wall .of the dam is being restored, it will be well to examine whether or not the roots of the fir trees planted on the fliin .are detrimental thereto. Similarly w© recommend that as soon as the second Wainui supply is available, the reservoir at Karori should bo thoroughly cleansed and alterations made in the water tower so as to enable the water to ibo‘drawn off at a higher level than is mow jpossible.’ s

The Native Appellate Court consisting of Chief Judge Davy and Judge Batfiam, lias delivered judgment in three succession cases. In tho case or succession to Eruera to Ranhihi, deceased, in respect of New Zealand Company’s Tenths, Nelson, tho appellant was Mold Nopcra Pukeroa, and tho original order of tho 18th April. 1809, was upheld. In tho case respecting Takaka B No. 2, tho original order of tho Ist May, 1901, was cancelled, as the land had been sold to Europeans prior to tho deceased’s death. In tho matter of tho appeal of Toi Taraati and others, in respect of Manaia 107, section 38, tho decision of tho 15th July, 1901, appointing successors to Arapata to Haruru, deceased, was reversed, and tho appellants wore appointed successors. Messrs F. R. Jackson and Co. will sell stock at Johnsonville at 11 a.m. to-day. Mr E. B. Pearce, of the Wellington Land Mart, has for sale, the only bakery and confectionery business in. a snug inland town. Besides .e shop there is a five-roomed dwelling-ouse, stable, coachhouse, bakehouse, troughs, x ,ee l s - etc., two horses, cart and harness. The business has to be sold and tho price is £3OO of which only £l6O cash is required. For a good man Mr Pearce will find part of tho cash required . Messrs F. E. Jackson and Co. will sell stock at Johnsonville at 11 a.m. to-day. Mrs J. R. Napier, sole licensee for New Zealand of the Anglo-Parisian Associated School of Dress-cutting, is now on a_ short visit to this colony, and will open in the Alliance Building, at tho corner of Willis and Manners street, on Thursday Mrs Napier will remain only a few weeks, and intending pupils are advised to call early and arrange for classes. Messrs Sidey, Meech and Co. will sell at their rooms at 2 p.m. to-day oyer 200 lots of furniture and effects, including a piano by Hoelling and Spangenberg. The Education Board calls for tenders for painting the'rtvaikanae school. Messrs Levien and Shallcrass will commence on Saturday a sale of pledges for Mr J. Ross, pawnbroker. Messrs Crichton and McKay call for tenders for the erection of a large resiJT3ico at Akitio, East Coast. Mr John S. Swan calls for tenders for painting a residence in Ellice street. The Dresden Piano Company has an advertisement in this issue regarding its system of time payments on pianos end organs. Tho Northern Roller Milling Company, of Aucklanu, has an advertisement in this issue regarding the Klourmillers' Association.