LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4951, 29 April 1903, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tho results from each booth of Hie polling to-day in connection with the municipal election will bp displayed iu front of tho ‘’Times” office this evening as soon as they aro available.

Tho promises of Mr E. 0. Batkin, tobacconist, Larabtou quay, were entered early yesterday morning and about £5 in cash abstracted from tho tills.

At tho meeting of tho Benevolent Trustees yesterday afternoon thoi secretary reported that there were seventy inmates, of whom twenty wore females • and fifty males, at present in tho Qhiro I Home.

Tho Superintendent of the Tourist Dapartment has received a letter from Victoria, British 1 Columbia, making inquiries on behalf of several families there who aro considering tho advisability of settling in this country. A New Zealand tourist guide bock having found its way to Finland, a gentleman writes from Helsingfors to the head of tho Tourist Department and sends an English guide book to Finland in return.

Wo have received from the btfioo ot tho Registrar-General a copy of the complete statistics of New Zealand for 1901. including statistics of local governing bodies up to March 31st, 1902. There are aso bound up with this bulky volume various sheets giving in handy form a summary of, the census taken on March 31st, 1901. All the New Zealand teachers who went to South Africa aro, according to a correspondent, who writes from. Pretoria under date March 31st, willing to accept ro-engagement for a further term of three years, with tho exception of four, Who wish to return to Now Zealland. Negotiations are in progress which, if successful, will secure to those teachers who accept re-cngagomoiit m free passage back to this country at the conclusion of the term, or at any . previous date should their health fail. Tho frantic efforts of a fireman belonging to the steamer Gothic to ride a bicycle towards tho Queen’s Wharf yesterday morning led a constable to sus- , pect that tho machine had been stolen. On being questioned as to where he got the bicycle, the fireman could not give a very satisfactory reply. Tho constable took the man into custody and subsequently inquiries were made at tho Police Station for a bicycle similar to the one this fireman had tried to ride. Tho prisoner will appear at tho Magistrate’s Court this morning to answer a charge of theft.

A ease in which a young woman at present working in Napier had failed to recognise her liability to support her child was brought under the notice of the Benevolent Trustees yesterday afternoon, when her mother applied for assistance in maintaining the infant. Tho applicant stated that her daughter only -contributed 2s Gd a week towards the maintenance of the child, and that prior to the amalgamation of the borough of Melrose with the city the Melrose Borough Council granted'her 5s a week. The Trustees considered that the young woman should pay 5s a week, and decided to give a weekly grant of 2« 6d.

Tho case of the King y. Kiddiford, an action for the possession of certain lands in thp Belmont district, was continued 'before Mr Justice Edwards yesterday. Sir H. D. Bell appeared for the Crown and Messrs Skerrott and Eeri for t.'lie defendant. Evidence was called by Mr Bell with a view to showing that. ,no trancjfor of tho land from the Grown to defendant’s predecessors in occupation

|iad ever been registered in the departmental records kept for that purpose. Mr Skerrott occupied the greater part of the afternoon in addressing the Court on behalf of defendant. ‘Ho contended that it was for -the Crown to prove tho title in the ordinary way when ejectment proceedings were being taken. Argument will be resumed to-day. A young man named William Lingar, who came to New Zealand about three months ago from Germany, shot himself in tho forehead in John street, Newtown, about 6.25 yesterday morn%ig,and, was removed to the hospital for. treatment. A man who was in tho street a't the time heard the report of. a shot, and on looking round saw the man lying on the ground. When being conveyed to the'hospital in an express ho told a constable his name, mentioned that he had been in Wellington two days, and had recently come from Feliding and Palmerston districts. There were two bullet holes in his forehead—one over the right eye and the other over the right temple. He had seven sovereigns, 12s 6d in silver and twenty-one unexploded cartridges similar to those in the revolver in his possession. ... Asked why he Shot himself, Lingar replied: “Because life is not worth living.” The description of the man. states that lie is about twenty-three years of age, about sft 7in in height, stoutly built, and clean shaven.

The financial position o_f New Zealand, compared with thair-cf the various States of the Commonwealth (says the Hobart “Mercury”) affords such a direct contrast that ample manorial for very serious contemplation, is provided. After quoting the figures recently given by Mr Seddon, our contemporary continues: —■ Compare this exceedingly satisfactory position with the financial condition of tho different federated States. To put the case mildly, every one of the federated States is embarrassed financially, some of them seriously. Certainly, they all have to face additional direct taxation, accompanied by retrenchment of a more or less severe character. Looki n<- altogether on this picture and on that, it is scarcely surprising to find that the people and Government of New Zealand display no desire to enter the federation. Probably by this time it is also beginning to dawn cm some of tho most ardent federalists that if the present extravagant style of government is continued by the federation, some of the States will find themselves paying too dearly, for tho Union whistle. The winning numbers for the final ballot in connection with tho bazaar which was concluded at the Drfllshod on Saturday evening are as follows: —116 Eyre, 5 Nordon, 13 O’Brien, 20 Rsich&l, 25 Hutcheson, 1 Williams, 3 Donaldson, 44 Brady, 50 Bolton, 19 Duggan, 2 Hill, 55 Jones. 17 Lane. 51 Bolton, 29 Lawless. 20 Johnstone, 18 Laverty/ 9 Lord Bobs, 32 Noon, 25 Barr, 37 Smith, 86 Hyde, 115 A.8.C., 34 Redwood, 49 Morgan, 105 Higg, 25 Cunningham, 41a Ashcroft, 42 Meelian, 23 Collins, 27 Dee 20 Hutchinson, 208 Cal dwell. 3 Con rick, 130 Stevenson, 65 Hoon. 4 Good, 39 Bolton, 21 Whiteford. 87 Smith, 2 Lane, 2 Robinson. 122 Evenson. 33 O’Shea. 14 Jiminay, 11 Chaee. 50 Callaghan, 21 Willis, 3 Egan, 35 Kyau, 30 Power, 123 Williams, 16 Green. 5 Geoghau. 6 James, 9 Bowden, 8 Jennings, 36 Ward, 50 Doing, 114 O’Sullivan, 12 Batten, 22 Grealish. Go Eddie. 41 McCardle, 3 Green. 10 Lane. 16 Lewis. 08 Gruble, 44a MePhail. 1 Gibbs, 97 Gibbs, 8 Ward, 42 Lane, 64 Noble, 41 Fraser, 43 Duggan, 120 Attwal, 49 Eden. Tho unclaimed prizes, with the winning numbers, will he advertised during the week.

On Saturday and Sunday two fine rod slat's, carrying good heads, were suen on Clear Island, Pctonc. They remained there for a couple of days amongst the horses, and then disappeared. Segregation of this kind is characteristic of red deer at certain periods.

A recent American visitor to New Zealand writes from New York to the head of the Tourist Department, congratulating tho department on the improved facilities to tourists existing all over both islands. He considers Alackinnon Pass and Milford Sound to ho far and away tho host things in our ‘ land et wonders.’' Another American tourist, speaking as one with a knowledge of the Yellowstone Park and Iceland, unhesitatingly declares that Wamiangu is the best and biggest geyser in the world. It may bo assumed, from I lie enthusiasm which greeted the performance of Master Thomas Trowel 1 at the Orchestral Society’s concert last nigh:, that tho public shares the opinion of the friends of this gifted lad and hi- brother that these two hoys should h eseirt to Europe to study. Tho intention is that they should leave in Tune next; but. several hundred pounds are still required to complete the fund; and Mr H. H. Dean, who is actively interesting himself in the project, hopes that those who intend to become subscribers will do so as soon as possible. Tho full text of tho finding of Messrs TV. It. Hosoldcu, S.M.. and Hugh Pollen, Colonial Under-Secretary, in regard to tho charges made against Mr John King. Kegistnii- of Electors lor Auckland City, Grey Lynn, Parnell and Hdon has been made public. Air King was charged by a number of electors with corruption in tho compilation of tho rolls and with making a multitude of errors. Tho Commissioners found that there was no evidence to support tho charges levied against Mr King, and that thoro was- nothing to indicate that ho discriminated between parties claiming enrolment.

A problem of sanio difficulty concerning granting relief to a woman was submitted to lho Li'liievoleut 'trustees yesterday afternoou, when a widow, fortynine years of ego, applied for help. Tbo applicant stated that she bad live children. Tho eldest daughter was in gaol, a younger one in the Salvation Army Home, a third in a llcceiving Homo and a boy in an Industrial School, fjiho explained that sho took a “Jittlo drink occasionally,” and that when her daughters wore ait home she “'washed tbolr clothes and looked after the house.” Tho woman was granted rations for a week and a sum of os for tho rent of a room for a similar period. When tho .Ratepayers’ Association met last night there wero eight members present. Mr A. L. Wilson (tbo president) was in tho chair. Mr Ilalo challenged the executive to explain why it had altered the “ticket” selected by tho association for support at tbo municipal election. Tho name of Mr Grant, selected by the association, had been omitted from tho advertised ticket, and that of Mr Worth substituted. Other members also rose in wrath, but the storm subsided when tho president camo half way to moot tho trouble and expressed bis willingness to bear the burden of responsibility. They had found, he said, that the views of Mr Grant were entirely opposed to those of tho association, and that Mr Worth coincided with tho tenets hold by tho majority of the members. A motion was agreed to approving tho action of tho executive.

Tho Now Zealand and African Company's subsidised steamer Norfolk will sail from the Glasgow Wharf at 4 o’clock this afternoon. It may not bo generally known that the Norfolk has probably the largest refrigerated space of any vessel afloat. She is capable of taking 125,000 carcases mutton. On the present trip some of the insulated holds have been taken up with oats, which form the main portion of her cargo. She ■will take away about 19,000 carcases mutton, 1500 carcases lamb, 1500 quarters beef, 1500 live sheep, two racehorses, considerable quantities of butter, cheese, poultry, etc., rather largo sample lines of fruit pulp (50 to 70 casks), and some agricultural machinery. The Norfolk will bo virtually a full ship. There are not many passengers going by tho vessel, the majority of intending emigrants holding off for the large new twin-screw steamer Essex, which is to leave in May. The Norfolk will take about twelve' passengers. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Peter’s parish was held in tho schoolroom last evening. Rev. G. P. Davys presided, and there was a good attendance. In the annual report reference was made to tho departure of tho Rev. W. C. Waters, and satisfaction was expressed at tho good work accomplished during" the year. Tho receipts for the period ended March 31st amounted to £IBB6 16s lOd, apd tho expenditure to £2006 16s lOd, leaving a debit balance of £ll9 4s 6d represented by bank overdraft. Tho report and balance-sheet wore adopted. After the Itov. Mr Davys had reviewed the work of the year and expressed the hope that he would bo as successful in his mission as his predecessor, tho election of officebearers was proceeded with, and resulted as follows: —Churchwarden (vicar’s), Mr R. Wilberforce; churchwarden (parishioners’), Mr E. Anderson; vestrymen, Messrs Ballinger, Blundell, Maudsley, Hardy, Gill, Bothimo. Ro&h, Smith, Tripe and Allen; auditors, Messrs J. M. Bntt and A. N. Palmer. The J. D. Sprockels and Bros.’ Company, of San Francisco, owners of tho Oooanio Steam Ship Line, have decided, as tho excursion to Hotel ~ Del Monha last year proved so successful, to repeat the some this season on somewhat similar lines. As an additional attraction, it has boon decided to inaugurate an excursion to tho beautiful and majestic Yosemito Valley, tho route to which passes through the famous Mariposa grove of big trees. Tlib faro for the excursion to Del Monte, inclusive of steamer, rail and hotel expense, is £63, and to Yosemite, £72 inclusive. Excursionists will bo maintained during the stay of tho steamer by which they land at San Francisco; in other words, the above fanes cover a return ticket to San Francisco, transportation to destination, and hotel maintenance during tho ton days which tho steamer is at San Francisco before returning to the colonies. For instance, suppose a passenger leaves Auckland by the first excursion, per the Sonoma. June 19th. Tho steamer is due at San Francisco on July sth, .and wall leave that port on July 16th. allowing about ten days’ stay In America in which to take part in either of tho excursions selected. To encourage these excursions, those booked for the Hotel Del Monte desirous of extending their trip to tho Yosemite Valley can do so on a payment of £7 extra at San Francisco. Again, those who find ten days’ stay in America too short have the privilege of remaining longer at their own expense after tho expiry of the terms of their original booking, returning to Auckland by "any steamer within three months from their arrival in San Francisco. Tho last excursion from Auckland will ho bv tho Sonoma, leaving cm August 21st/

The annual meeting of tho Newtown Licensing Committee is to be hold on June sth, of tho Wellington Committee on Juno Bth and of tho Hutt Committee on June 10th.

A meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is to be held at tho church at 8 o’clock this evening. The business will ho the consideration of tho committee’s r-port as to electing a minister for the vacant charge. Un the 2oth inst. tho Premier cabled to the Agent-General jisking him to mtj'.iii’o a-s to the diffoicnco in the prices of New Zealand and Danish butter. Yesterday the Premier received a imply from tho Agmil-General, stating that the latter had posted a full report on the matter by Uie'San Francisco mail which left London on February 118th and that he had nothing to add to this. Tho Agent-General also inquired tho date -of tho Dunedin show. Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co. insert a number of advertisements of landed properties which they will submit to auction to-morrow afternoon, at 2.30 o’clock.

Mr J. M. Butt. Customhouse quay, invites tenders for the manufacturing i-Lock and druggist’s sundries in the estate of Maddox and' Co.’s- Chemical and Manufacturing Company, in liquidation. At 2 o’clock tliis afternoon, Messrs .1. .11. Bethune and Co. will hold an auction sale of furniture at No. 9, Evelyn place, olf Webb street, the residence of Airs Lowouy. who. is leaving Wellington. Tho catalogue comprises an upright piano, graphophone, kodak and useful household furniture and appointments. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., advertise particulars of a sale of draught horses to he held at the farm of Mr 11. D. Knight Pahiattui, on .May 20th. Sixtylivo animals will be submitted, every one of which will he guaranteed sound and staunch, unless special deficiencies aro pointed out at time of sale. At their rooms to-day and to-morrow, commencing each day at 11 a.m., Messrs Sidoy, AXeech and Co. will continue their unreserved sale of drapery and clothing. A special selection of city and’ suburban properties is advertised by Messrs Turnbull, Watkins and Williams in another column. The firm Lave just now a particularly choice lot of town residences for private sale. Those in search of cheap building sites are asked to inspect plans of Hataitai and Taitvillo. Buyers and sellers of property are invited to call for the current number of ‘‘The Property and Investment Index,” which, contains thiriy-four pages of information of interest to investors. A block of six acres at Berharapore, subdivided and excellently' roaded, will shortly be offered at auction by this firm.

Hie ’Wellington Landed Property Guido” for Slay, published by Macdonalcl, W ilson and Co., 84, !Lambton quay, is now ready, and will be forwarded to any address on application, free of charge;

Messrs Head Bros., land agents. Wanganui, have a replace advertisement in this issue. A splendid grocery business is advertised, also a first-class dairy farm in the Manawatu district.

Messrs Brooking and Black, Stratford, advertise businesses for sale.

Dalgcty and Co., Ltd., have opened a branch business in Wellington in temporary premises in the Citizens’ Life Chambers, Customhouse quay.

P. and 0. Whisky is said to be the purest and mildest stimulant known. Details are advertised to-day of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s sale of horses at Palmerston North next Saturday.

Mr H. Brice, who has been managing steward of tho Wellington Club for the past six years, has taken over tho Bodega restaurant, in Lambtou quay. A business announcement appears in_ our advertising columns. A very large supply of phonographs, records, etc., is kept at "ThoTalkeries.”

Miss Estelle Bepre, teacher of dancing. Hill street, announces that .the halfterm begins this week. Mr G. 11. McLeod, tailor, Willis street, has just received seasonable goods from England.