LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4608, 12 March 1902, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An article from the pen of Mr A. D. Riley, on the subject of “Intermediate ■Education” will appear to-morrow.

M. Champion, New- Zealand’s champion swimmer, is to become a member of the police force from the Ist April. The inquiry into the cause of the fire on the barque Jessie Osborne has been fixed for Friday next, at eleven o’clock in the morning.

The case of Reuben Baker against Johnston and Co., Ltd., which was partly tried last year and adjourned for further argument, has been set down to bo re-argued at the next sittings of the Court of Appeal, to be opened in Wellington on the 17th instant. “None of the grants voted during the session of 1901 have yet.been received at this office, although application has been made several times for authority to proceed with some of the works,” was reported to the Hutt County Council yesterday by the Inspector of Works in the county. The ■ Hutt County Council does not feel satisfied with the apportionment of the cost of the proposed bridge at Lower Hutt, which makes the Hutt county liable for the payment of £1325. The opinion was expressed at yesterday’s meeting that the demand was too high, and finally the consideration of tho matter was allowed to stand over till next meeting.

A sitting in Chambers will be held by his Honor the Chief Jnstico this morning, at 10.30 o’clock. Subsequently a sitting in Banco will bo conducted by his Honor. There is a, lengthy list of cases set down for hearing. Three will bo dealt with to-day—that in which the Melrose Borough Council seeks a rule in re a, by-law; the case of Balloch against Anstice, a motion for a new trial; and the appeal case of Kilmister versus Monagan. On the decision in the Council’s case will depend the maintenance or abolition of piggeries at Mitchelltown. During the east month the workmen of the Hutt County Council have laid out forty-four and a half chains of the Motukaraka road, fifty chains of the Mangakotukutuku road, fifty chains of the Wainui stream road, and eighteen chains of the road leading to Mr H. Galloway’s, through Mr W. Cook’s section, near Moonshine. The Inspector of Works (Mr Golder) reported to the Council yesterday that the bridge on the Ngahauranga-Johnsonville road, at what is known as Corner,” reauires a new pier at the southern end, and that the piers of the bridge on the Whiteman’s Talley road near the railway. line are also in a bad way.

The district electors’ lists for the botfougk of Melrose arc now open for inspection.

Mr P. Bovan will go as assistant mail agent with the steamer Sierra, which leaves Auckland on Saturday for Sau Francisco.

The Talbot Fund at the Corporation, offices has boon raised to £T23 11s by the receipt of Is from B. and £1 from G, Gerard.

Three officers of tho Department of Agriculture are engaged iu tho grading of flax at tho port of Wellington. Exporters are now more favourably inclined towards the system, and the graders aro kept busily employed. The Tborndon School Old Boys’ Committee moot at tho school to-night to transact business in connection With tho proposed testimonial to Mr IV. Mowbray. The Old Boys will report on their efforts during the past two weeks, and all money collected is to be paid over to the treasurer previous to the formal business of the evening being called on.

Some changes have been made in the times for receiving out-patients at tho Wellington Hospital. The special days for their reception will in future bo Mondays and Fridays. On those days out-patients from the country, will, as far as possible, bo attended to first. Out-patients will bo seen ally day between the hours of 9 and 11 o’clock in the morning in cases of urgency. Wednesday lias been omitted as a special day, as it was found that very few outpatients attended op that day. A meeting of the committee of the Hairdressers’ and Tobacconists’ Sports and Picnic Association was hold last evening. It was resolved to hold the annual picnic at Day’s Bay on tho 19th inst. The following programme of events was drawn up:—Maiden Race, ' 100yds; Hairdressers’ and Tobacconists’ Handicap, three distances, 75, 120 and 220yds; Married Ladies’ Race, 75yds; Potato Race, 100yds; Walking Race, one mile; Three-legged Race, 120yds; Open Handicap, 100yds; Masters’ Race, 100yds.

A description of the standard chain in the Lands Office at Sydney was given by Mr O. E. Adams at the meeting of the Philosophical Society last night. Professor Eastorficld said there seemed to be in New Zealand a want of standards, riot only in surveying appliances, but also in scientific instruments generally. Other members urged that Now Zealand should have a proper standard chain, and referred to the rough one in the. grounds of the Departmental Buildings. Sir James Hector exhibited front tho Museum two standard yard measures, of which he has the custody. Tho survey of tho Urowera country for tribal and liapu purposes is almost completed. At the beginning of the season tho approximate area surveyed was 472,173 acres. Tho survey of the remaining 184,527 acres out of the total area of 056,700 acres is now nearly finished. The surveyors engaged axe Messrs L. Silnpson, O. M. Greagh and R. C. L. Reay. With the exception of some small patches, the country is heavily timbered. It is very broken, but suitable for pastoral purposes. At present, of course, it is not available for European settlement. Its partition among tho natives interested should shortly be concluded. A clock which has been going since 1860, with no other impulse than that given by the change of temperature from day to night, was mentioned by Sir James Hector at the meeting of the Philosophical Society last night. The timepiece is in Dunedin, and was invented by Mr Beverley, who still resides in that city. Sir James said ho saw the clock again the other day. It was as near an approach to perpetual motion as could he got. After a sceptic had spoken, Mr Martin Chapman Said lie knew the clock quite well. It was going, and provided it did not wear out it would go so long as there Were alterations of temperature between night and day.

The New Zealand Express Company, Ltd,, of Wellington, is appealing to the Arbitration Court against an interpretation by the Chairman of tho Conciliation Board of the meaning of certain clauses in tho Arbitration Court’s award referring to the Wellington Drivers’ Industrial Union of Workers. The appeal concerns the interpretation by the Chairman of a regulation binding employers to give a weekly half-holiday. Tho appeal is based op a contention Ahat nothing is mentioned about such a regulation in the clauses relating to forwarding agents and carriers and retail parcel deliverers. The appeal states that the stipulation Of the award that 47 i hours per week shall be the weekly limit in such branches of work ensures the general observance Of a half-holiday once a week or the alternative payment of overtime. It, however, happens frequently that tho public convenience requires work to be done on Saturday or Wednesday, and the appellants state that' in such cases (when a man has nob worked his 474 hours in the week) no overtime should be paid to a man till that time has been fulfilled. The company also considers the imposition by the Chairman of the Board of overtime at holiday rates (double pay) will be a great hardship, inasmuch as the company will he brought into handicapped competition with express drivers who pay no wages. , Therefore the appeal is made to the Arbitration Court to disallow tho interpretation of Mr Crewes. Messrs W. Naughton, Andrew Collins and A. H. Cooper have been appointed delegates to represent the Wellington Trades Council at the coming conference to he hold in Auckland at Easter. The Council last night considered part of the order paper for the conference. The delegates were instructed, with reference to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, ■ to support an amendment making itr mandatory, instead of permissive, for the Inspectors of Factories to take action in cases of breaches of the_ awards. There was considerable discussion upon the question of a preferential tariff between Britain and the colonies, but eventually the delegates were given a free hand in regard to this subject, and also upon the question raised by one of the Southern Councils as to the establishment of a prohibitive protective tariff. The delegates were instructed to support a proposal to increase the land- tax and abolish the exemption, and make a corresponding reduction in the duties on. the necessaries of life. The Council, by a large majority, voted against tho Elective Executive proposal. It was agreed that the delegates should vote in favour of a proposal from one of the outside Councils for a universal Saturday half-holiday. The delegates were also instructed to vote for proposed amendments of the Old Age Pensions Act by which the pensions should become universal,'and the rate 10s a week, and by which men working underground should be entitled to the pension at sixty, instead of sixty-five years of age. Various other proposals of minor importance were discussed, and the remainder of the order paper is to bo considered tO-morrow evening.

Tho Education Department has nob yet received from tho 'Wellington Education Hoard tho particulars of the proposed new Terraco School building required for .submission through tho Minister to Cabinet.

In connection with tho Mastorton races, holiday excursion tickets will be issued on tho 13th and 11th inst from Groytown, Woodville, To Are and intermediate stations to Opaki, available for return until tho loth. On tho Basin Reserve this afternoon a cricket match will bo played between teams representative of tho Wilson Barrett Company and tho Pollard Opera Company. Play will begin at two o’clock.

Tho Builders’ and Contractors’ Association held its monthly meeting at tho Silver Grid last night. Amongst other business, a sub-committee brought up its report on the general conditions of contract that the City Council has decided to attach to tho specifications for tho erection of the proposed Town Hall. Tho meeting went very fully into tho matter. It was decided to write to the City Council, objecting very strongly to many of tho provisions contained in the conditions, and expressing the opinion that very few, if any, tenders would bo put in from Wellington if the conditions wero insisted upon.

A case of alleged breach of the licensing laws is to bo partly heard this morning at the Magistrate’s Court. A novel point will bo raised in the case. A person who purchased a publichouso applied for a provisional liconso, but ho was iu occupation of the hotel for some days before the provisional license was given him. In this interim some people, not lodgers, wore, it is said, caught drinking in the hotel during hours prohibited, and so an information was laid; Tho point is whether the present or the previous licensee should bo mulcted in case of conviction, or whether, under tho circumstances, cither can bo convicted. A complaint against the Post Office was made by Mr It. C. Harding at tho Philosophical Society’s meeting last night. As is generally known, tho phiaso used in regard to postage in the official regulations is ■ nob exceeding” a given weight. Mr Harding alleged that tho authorities read this phrase to mean “ under.” Ho asserted that a letter 1 which weighed exactly half an ounce, and bore a penny stamp only, was treated as being over-weight. It was also stated by Mr Harding that after having had correspondence and parcels weighed at a post office couiitei and affixing stamps as directed, ho had had the mortification of learning that his friends or correspondents had been fined for a deficiency in postage.

A special meeting of the Melrose Borough Council was held last night to consider an application by Messrs Menteath and Beero, on Behalf of the owners of the Island Bay racecourse, for permission to mako private streets on this and adjoining lands. The Council discussed the matter in committee for about two hours, and it was finally resolved, “That permission he granted to tho owners of the racecourse property at Island Bay to mako the proposed private streets in terms of the letter'sent to Messrs Feltham and Co. on the loth Juno, 1901, with the following amendments : Formation of the parade to be fifty feet wide and metalling thirty-five feet wide; side streets, formation thirty feet wide, and metalling twenty feet wide.”

The members of the Clyde quay School Committee last night entertained Mr G. Wilson, of the iirm of Aitken and Wilson, who is about to pay a visit to his old home in Scotland. Mr Wilson has long been a member of the Clyde quay School Committee, of which ho has lately been secretary, and the function was organised by his fellow members as a tribute of respect to tho departing guest. Mr Robertson, chairman of tiie committee, presided, and ho was supported right arid loft by Mr J. R. Blair (chairman of the Education Board) and Mr J. G. W. Aitken (Mayor of Wellington). The gathering was an especially hearty one. Some interesting particulars of the Clyde quay School were given during the evening. Since the school was opened some thirteen years ago its scholars have won twenty-eight of *bhe Education Board scholarships and four Victoria College scholarships. A junior scholarship is held by an ex-pupil of the school. In athletics, the school holds the championships for swimming in both the boys’ and girls’ departments; in cricket it' 'bafflb a good second to Te Aro this season; and in football it occupied the champion position for 1900 and the third position in 1901. The toast-list of hist night’s function was as follows: “His Majesty the King”; “The Education Board,” proposed by Mr Robertson, responded to by Mr Blair; “Onr proposed by Mr Robertson and responded to by Mr Wilson; “Our Staff,’’ proposed by Mr Donald McLean and responded to by Mr Grundy, headmaster of tho school; "Our Visitors,” proposed by Mr Russell and acknowledged by Messrs Veitch, Muir and Murrell. Songs were sung during thq evening by Messrs Murrell and Wilson, and tho proceedings wore concluded at a reasonable hour with “hands all round.” Mr E. J. King, junr., acted as accompanist.

The fire and marine insurance companies’ picnic was heldl yesterday at Day’s Bay. The weather was beautifully fine for tho outing, and as the arrangements for the entertainment and amusement of the two hundred guests were on a very complete scale everyone (spent an enjoyable day. An excellent luncheon was provided at the pavilion, and Minifio’s Band helped to enliven tho proceedings. Messrs A. E. Kernot and D. A. Abercrombie were judges, and Mr G. H. Harbroo was the starter for a programme of sports, which resulted as follows:—Juvenile Handicap, A. R. Luckib 1; C. S. Jamieson 2. Threelegged Race, Weybourno and Ashbolt, 1; Cleland anti Johnson, 2. OurangOutang Race, Webb, 1; Bkolley, 2. O. Tariff Staff Handicap, T. H. Johnston, 1; J. BlackloCk, 2. Wheelbarrow Race, Cloland and Davis, 1. Naked Light Handicap (chief clerks), H. Johnson, 1; A. Blair, 2. Re-insurance Kangaroo Hop, Osborne, 1; Webb, 2. Duchess Canter (ladies). Miss Ivy Gibbs, 1; Miss Edie Taylor, 2. Donkey Race (committeemen), C. Brooke-Taylor, 1; C. J. Cooper, 2. General Average Medley Race, MandCr, 1; Webb, 2. Champion Ping-pong, C. Pearce, 1; Newbold, 2. Ladies’ Ping-pong, Miss Stafford, 1; Miss Blundell, 2. Combined Doubles Ping-pong, Miss Hislop and C. J. Cooper, 1; Miss Butt and G. Didsbury, 2. In the Tug-of-war, Colonial v. Foreign Offices, the colonial team won. Children's races were hold during the afternoon, and quoits, rounders and, other games were indulged in. Mrs Ewen, wife of Mr C. A. Ewen, chairman of the Underwriters’ Association, presented the trophies to the various winners on tho return trip of the Duchess The general arrangements were Carried out by a committee consisting of Messrs C. J. Cooper, J. A. V. Howe, T. W. Pilcher, C. Brooke-Taylor, H. W. Kelly, F. L. Ashbolt and H. M. Lyon.

In consequence of alterations now being effected at St. Peter’s Church, the service this evening will be held at 5.15 instead of 7.30.

A meeting of tho Drivers’ Lnion will bo field tins evening to consider a proposal to federate wibli the Trades and Labour Council. Mr J. W. M. Harrison’s new gymnasium in Manners street is in a central position and on tho tram route. Details of tho classes, which are arranged to sidt tho convenience of men, women and children, are advertised elsewhere.

As tho result.of exhaustive inquiries, tho Melbourne “Argus” has come to the conclusion that tho difficulty of obtaining suitable labour is one cause of the falling-off in the production of butter in Victoria. In that State, as in Now Zealand, 1 there is a call for a satisfactory milking machine.

Tho “New Zealand Mail,” which is published this morning, is a capital budget of all tho nows of the week. From a literary point of view tho “Mail” is alike entertaining and instructive. Some first-class stories by the best writers in tho world of fiction aro to ho found in its columns, and the serial, “Sir Asticy’s Wife,” by Miss Florence Warden, is one of tho most thrilling novels from tho non of that authoress. Besides that, there aro some specially attractive features in tins weekly journal. In tho “Ways of Women” “Erie” writes of all local affairs of interest to tho ladies of Wellington, and her budget of news is everywhere heartily welcomed. The sporting pages are replete with tho latest intelligence concerning all kinds of sport, and no sportsman interested in horse-racing or atldetics can afford to neglect tho “Mail.” From a country settler’s view-point, this weekly is admirable. No department of country work is neglected, and rural residents will find in tho “New Zealand Mail” the most up-to-date information on questions affecting the dairy, the farm and tho station.

The City Council calls for tenders for the supply of blue stone for road metal.

Mr W. C. Chatfield calls for tenders for additions to a residence at Island Bay. Messrs Townsend and Paul will self at their Harris street yards at 2 p.m. to-day tho whole of Mr IV. Kennaugh’s earner’s plant, without reserve. , Messrs Baker Bros, will sell at thpii' rooms, at 2.30 p.m. to-day, three we'lbuilt houses in Victoria street, Pa'ouo, two building sections at the rear of the Fire Brigade Station, Newtown, and another having frontages to John street and Hanson street.

Messrs Thompson Bros, and Co. advertise a sale of compressed oaten hay, to take place on Thursday morning at 11 o’clock. This line must bo cleared to make room for bananas, which arrive on Friday.

Messrs Sidey, Mooch and Co. will sell at Old Customhouse quay af. 2 p.m. today the whole of the salvage stock from the late fire at Mr A. Bead’s confectioner’s shop, Manners street.

The City Council calls for tenders, up to Monday, 24th inst., for supplies and works.

Messrs W. H. Morrah and Co draw attention to a clearing sale of stock, by order of the Public Trustee, to he held at the firm’s saleyards. Lower Hutt, on Thursday next. Particxtlars will bo found on page 8. Messrs Warnock and- Adkin insert a new advertisement giving particulars of a few of their new blouses. Mr AV, F. Shortt calls attention to a list of properties advertised for sale. He reports a strong demand for houses of from five to seven rooms, and urges those having properties for sale to communicate with him, as he has several clients waiting for suitable properties. Messrs J. H. Bethune and Co’, will hold a highly important sale at their rooms, Foatherston street, at 2.30 o’clock to-day, when they will submit for absolute sale, By instructions from the owner, who is now residing in Australia, eleven of tho original freehold sections in the popular township of Seatoun, comprising section 2, block 2; sections 7 and 8, block 8; sections 1,2, 11 and 12, block 14; sections and 3, block 21; and sections 1 and 2, block 23, each containing quarter acre and upwards, and all fronting main roads. The whole of these are level, and are within four miles of the G.P.O. Regular trips are now made daily by the Miramar Ferry Company to the Seatoun Wharf, 30 minutes’ steam from AVeliington. From the interest taken in this sale all the lots are likely to realise record prices. Messrs Kavenhill and Co. advertise a bargain of 230 acres on tho Mahawatu line. This is open for only a few days, and applications should be made immediately. The s.s. Duchess will run to Day’s Bay this morning and afternoon at the usual hours. The Countess will make her regular trips to Seatoun and Karaka Bay, and the steamer for Miramar will leave the wharf at 1.10 p.m. as usual. The full time-table appears in another column.