LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5438, 19 November 1904, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The season’s butter is coming into the grading station in increasing quarttitles. There will be further increase until tho height of tho season, in December and January.

Tho Licensing Committee has grant' od temporary transfers of licenses of two city hotels: that of the Alhambra Hotel from L. St. Lawrence to S. J. Flewollyn; and of the Albert Hotel from G. A. Allen to D. P. Barrett.

Tho Coroner (Mr James Ashcroft) held an inquest at Tawa Flat yesterday on the body of Denis John Connolly, found dead in a stream on Thursday evening. Tho evidence showed that tho child had had every care and nourishment, and had only run away a few minutes before tho body was found. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

The police have laid an information against William Milne Halley, licensee of the Kilbirnie Hotel, that he did on Sunday, November 6th, unlawfully expose liquor for sale. On, the case being .mentioned in the Miagistirato’s Court yesterday morning, Mi- Weston asked for an adjournment that would enable Mr Skerrett to appear for the licensee. Sub-Inspector O'Donovan, who also required an adjournment, suggested Monday week as the date far hearing the case, and this was agreed to.

The complaint regarding the quality of the cloth used as bandages for New Zealand cheese has comb as a surprise to those engaged in the business. It is stated that exactly the same cloth has bean used for yeans past, and no complaint hag been made to tbo exporters. The only explanation that suggests itself is that some small factory has purchased a cheap . line, and this haa come under the notice of the Manchester firm that makes complaint to the Department of Industries and Commerce.-

•Mr David Forsyth, Dunedin, who haa adjudicated on the six unfinished games in the recent telegraphic chess match between the Wellington and Auckland Chess dubs, has decided as follows: —Board No. 1, Grierson (A.) v. W. B. Mason (W.), drawn; No. 4, Trimble (A.) v. Davies (W.), drawn; No. 6, Jowitt (A)' T. W. 'Maokay (W.), won by Jowitt; No. 8, Littlei (A.) v. W. F. Barraud (W.), drawn; No. 18, Spencer (A.) v. Jessup (W.), won by Spenoeor; No. 19, Dutton (A.) v. Gyle®, wmlt, (W.), won by Dutton. The result of the match is, therefore: Wellington, 8 wins; Auckland, 4 wins; with 8 games drawn. Rinaldo Ramis, a Spaniard, was charged before the Stipendiary Magistrate yesterday with being a prohibited immigrant. He was unable to speak a word of English, and a Welsh fisherman who happened to he in the cells on a charge of drunkenness was called in to act as interpreter. Ho carried out hia duty in the French language. SubInspeotor O'Donovan said that Ramis had come to the colony as a stowaway on the steamer Karamea, and had got away from the ship without the knowledge of the officers. He was arrested by the police, and subsequently passed the test required by the Customs authorities under the act. jDr McArthur discharged the Spaniard, and advised him to get work. The bond of £IOO deposited by the captain of the Karamea was ordered to bo returned. "

The compensation case between the Government and Messrs Clifford -Bros, regarding the resumption of the Flaxbourne estate, in Marlborough, will bo resumed at Blenheim on December let, before Mr Justice Cooper. The assessors are the Hon T. K. Macdonald for s the Goremmont and Sir J. G. Wilson (of Bulla) for the owners. Mr Skerrett is counsel for the owners, and Hr Findlay, assisted by Messrs R. McCallum (Blenheim) and T. W. Stringer (Christchurch) represent the Government. The area of the estate is 66,000 acres, and the claim is for £410,000. It is understood the owners, four in number, will each claim the area of 2000 acres which is permitted to be retained under the net. The case is an important one, since the prosecution of the trunk railway from the Awatero to Culverden is involved.

The Bishop of Melbourne had something interesting to say on the subject of burials when consecrating the Church of England portion of the new Springvalo Necropolis, on the ,9th inst., which is to bury the dead of Melbourne for centuries to come. Dr Clarke said ho did not like embalming, nor vast tombs whore bodies were laid on shelves, hut thought the bodies should be laid in coffins which would decay in no very long time, leering the duat return to dust. No hired mourners wore wanted, to weep as long as they were paid to weep, no big plumes, „no imposing lengthy ceremonies. It was very right that some flowers should be thrown upon a coffin, hut they should be wild flowers gathered by the dead man’s friends, not costly ■ wreaths representing little. Indeed, the idea of cost in a funeral was not one that should be favoured by Christian people.

During the .hearing of the furniture, trade dispute in .Melbourne recently, a witness throve some light on the composition of the material concealed under the gaudy covers of cheap mattresses and sofas. Flock, it appeared, was the material commonly used, and it was of varying qualities; the low . grade kind known as “black flock” being utilised to a considerable extent. The Bubstance, it was explained, was made from dirty woollen rags, scraps of old carpet, and bagging collected by rag-pickers from dust-bins and the Corporation “tip.” Without being put through any process to cleanse or disinfect them, these gecm-laden rags were frequently taken right away to the flock mill, where they were econ reduced to a. fluffy condition preparatory to being used for various forms of cheap upholstery work, chiefly bedding. Those who had to work amongst this stuff often found their health prejudicially affected, owing to the inroads of the filthy dust into their systems, notwithstanding that respirators were frequently used.

It is notified by tlio City Council that outstanding shilling coupons issued in connection with the horse tramway Kerri re can only be redeemed up to the liOth inst.

Messrs William H. Turnbull and Co, (an behalf of Messrs P. Hayman and Co.) yesterday sold tho Brunswick dining-rooms, Willis street, for JM62u. ,I’ho property, which has been in tho occupation of Mrs Kniggo for tho past twenty years, has a frontage of 2€tt, .jvith a depth of 90ft.

Tho Wellington bandsmen's Hospital Sunday demonstration is to take place on tho Basin Reserve <in tho afternoon »E December 4th. Over a hundred and fifty bandsmen will take part, representing tho Wellington Garrison Band, Potone and Newtown Brass Bands, Central Mission and Jupp’s Bands. The gathering will bo under the patronage of his Honor the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout.

Tho Rev J. K. Elliott, 8.A., will conduct tho morning service in the now Presbyterian Church at Brooklyn tomorrow, and Mr J. Rcith that in the evening. In the afternoon there will bo a children's service, conducted by tho Rev J. Gibson Smith. On Tuesday evening a social mooting will bo held, when addresses aro to bo given by tho Rov.s Dr Gibb, W. Shiror and J. Gibton Smith, Mr J. G-. W. Aitkcn, M.11.R., and Mr W. Allan. A children's “social” is announced for Wednesday evening. At tho Supreme Court at Palmerston North yesterday, Victor Cartior appeared before his Honor Mr Justice Cooper, to answer three charges—First, having failed to report himself to the probation oliioor regularly; second, having failed to pay two monthly instalments amounting to £3 | third, having changed his placo of residence without notifying tho probation officer. Aocusod had boon convicted on two charges of forgery in Wanganui, and was admitted to two years’ probation. Accused stated that ho would pay the arrears at onco. His Honor impressed upon him that ho must strictly observe the terms of his probation,' and stated that on tho payment of tho £3 accused would ho liberated for the balance of tho term.

Among tho passengers who arrived at Brisbane from tho East recently was .Lieutenant Ashe, a representative of tho Philippine Government, who had 'boon sent to Australia to purchase nardy ponies, required for remounts for tho army. Lieutenant Ashe said tho authorities hod been rather unfortunate with the horse supplies thus far. 'They had tried both Chinese and native ponies, but they were found to be unequal to requirements. He intended to take away a -batch of forty or fifty ponies from Queensland, if ho could obtain them at a fair price. Ho was going on to Sydney to see the stock there. If the horses which ho will take to the islands as a test lot prove satisfactory it is probable that in future ponies will be bought in fairly large numbers in Australia for tho Philippines.

A meeting was held ot Petone last (tight to consider the formation of a branch of tho Political Labor League. The Mayor, Mr G. T. London, who dfccupicd the chair, expressed his sympathy with such an organisation. Mr \V. Young, president of the Wellington Trades and Labour Council, sketched the constitution of the league, and explained its objects. The league was independent of Government and Opposition. The Hon J. Rigg stated that there were minor diffioukties in tho way of the league for the present. He did not, for instance, Bee how a number of members in the House, who had already tendered service to the workers in the colony, could sign tho league’s pledge conscientiously. A caucus outside the House could not judge with the same experience as those who had years of Parliamentary experience. These difficulties, however, could he tided over. Members of tho league should go wholeheartedly for reform. The way to do this was to strengthen the Labour party. Ho thought the Labour party should endeavour to have larger representation in the Legislative Council. The abolition of the Council was one of the platforms ot the league, but he did not -think any of them would live Co see it effected, as the House of Lords in England would not sanction such a step. Mr G. D. Maofarlane moved that the meeting form a branch of the league in Petone. Mr Kidd seconded this, and it was carried.

Tho Brooklyn branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation held its annual “ social ” last evening in tho Anglican Schoolroom, Brooklyn. 'He night was wild and stormy, and a regular hurricane blew cm Brooklyn Sill, but this depressing element did not deter the local members of the branch and other residents of the locality from spending a pleasant evening. The fierce northerly tore down portion of the fencing around tho hall, and wrecked the refreshment marquee during tho afternoon. Willing hands, however, effected sufficient repairs to meet the evening’s requirements. Numerous couples joined in tho festivities, to music by Mias Hawthorne’s string band. Apologies for non-attendance were read by Mr A. H. Fullford, president of the Brooklyn branch, from Mr Seddon. Sir Joseph Ward, Hon C. H. Mills, and Mr 0. GaUiahan (president of tho Newtown branch). The Premier telegraphed:— “ I regret exceedingly that owing to my having previously arranged to be present at tho Taihape railway, I am unable to bo with, you on tho occasion of your grand annual ‘social.’ I wish you n pleasant and successful evening, and trust your branch of the Federation may continue to go forward and prosper. Kindest regards.” Sir Joseph Ward wired: “I much regret that a severe cold prevents my being present at your Federation ‘social.’ Will you kindly convey to those present tho good wishes of Lady Ward and myself? We wish yon all a thoroughly enjoyable evening.” Mr Barber, M.H.R., in a brief address, expressed tho hopo that the Federation would continue to prosper, and intimated that after the holidays he would take an opportunity of meeting tho suburban electors in regard to political matters generally. In the dance programme the M.O.’s were Miessra J. O’Brien and J. Short, and Mr W. Mummery carried out the duties of horn secretary.

\V. Strange and Co., 1/td., of Christchurch, desire to contradict the rumour (for some time in circulation) crediting them with the intention of opening a branch of their business in Wellington. They hare not, and never haro had, the remotest intention of opening in Wellington. This denial has been rendered necessary owing to the number of letters addressed to Strange and Co. by land and estate agents and others in Wellington, offering them premises or building sites. For sopie time past they have been pestered with those lot tors, but trust, now they have so plainly contradicted the alipvo rumour, that it will die out.—Advt.

Tho meeting of tho Wellington Land Board fixed for December Ist is postponed until December l3th. Tho attention of grand and petty jurors summoned to attend tho criminal sittings of tlio Supreme Court on Monday is directed to tlio fact that tho sittings will not open until Wednesday morning, as Mr Justice Cooper will ho unahlo to bo in Wellington sooner. Tho nurse employed by tho St. John Ambulance Nursing Guild to work among tho poor of tho city lectured on tlio duties of a St, John Ambulance nurse at the Public Library, Newtown, last evening. Mr T. W. Hislop occupied tlio chair, and there were about fifty ladies present. Tho nurse gave an interesting account of her work in various homes, and two or three other ladios spoke on kindred subjects. A collection was taken up in aid of the guild funds. Tlio Nursing Guild is composed of a number of ladios who have received instruction in nursing from various medical men under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association, and many of these givo their services gratuitously in nursing tho sick poor. Mrs S. A. Rhodes, of the Grange, is president of the guild. Tho various officebearers will thankfully acknowledge the receipt of subscriptions.

With reference to tho disease that has attacked tho potato crop in Auckland, tho Minister for Lands has received the following telegram from AD J. Bollard, M.H.R.; —“Serious disease in potato crops around Auckland. Suggest Government buy or get a patch and experiment. Urgent measures should bo taken, as tho disease spreads rapidly. Cause and cure, if kppwn, should be speedily advertised.” The “Star” states tho disease is spreading so rapidly that growers will probably lose thousands of pounds. Professor Thomas has bean paying some attention to tho disease, and made a microscopical examination yesterday of some of tho affected stalks. Tho result satisfied him that the crops have been attacked by tho well-known potato disease, phytophthora infestans, and that, therefore, the effect on tho season’s yield will probably bo most serious. Professor Thomas says that the same disease made its appearance in tho district somo twelve years ago, but that it was not then, so prevalent as on the present occasion. At the recent examination conducted in Wellington by tho Federated Surveyors' Board of Australia and New Zealand only three candidates out of thirteen succeeded in passing, and one of these, Mr Gt. S. Whiteside, Maungaterete, Auckland, had previously graduated in the International Correspondence School of Civil Eng mooring. Mr Whiteside first enrolled in the surveying and mapping course, and after gaming his diploma, took up the complete civil engineering course. He is now occupying a position as county engineer. Another of the successful candidates has since enrolled in the complete civil engineering course of the same institution.

Ur H. Walter has resumed practice at ■l6, Vivian street.

The Equitable Life Assurance Society is offering 6 per cent, debenture bonds. An advertisement appears in another column. Messrs Hislop and Walden want tenders for tho erection Of a three-story building at the corner of Lambton quay and Panama street.

Messrs Wardell Bros, and Co., Willie street, advertise table delicacies.

Messrs Levien, Shallorass and Co. will sell tweeds, fancy goods, etc., at their rooms to-day. The National Insurance Company notifies that dividend warrants are obtainable at the Wellington office. Williams and Kettle, Ltd., Napier and Dannevirke, advertise dates of stock sales during this month. The Loan and Mercantile Agency Company will sell stock at Palmerston North next Thursday. Messrs Haroourt and Co. advertise a new list of properties, businesses, etc., for sale.

A new advertisement is inserted to-day by Messrs Walter Gee and Co., window blind manufacturers, Brandon street. Tenders are invited for the purchase of freehold of the Club Hotel, Timaru, or for tlio lease for a term of years.

Applications are wanted for the position of nurse at the Nelson Hospital. Entries are advertised by Abraham and Williams, Ltd., for their stock sale at Jonnsonville next Tuesday.

Abraham and Williams, Ltd,, will hold their next sale of wool, skins, and hides at Palmerston North next Saturday.

The demand for house property in the city and suburbs of Wellington is catered for by Messrs W. H. Turnbull and Co., who insert a fresh advertisement of properties to be acquired on easy terms. Tho properties advertised are necessarily only a sample of those the firm have on their books for sale. A list of estates for which the firm have sole agency is also published together with detailed particulars of tho perhamporo and Monaghan (Karori) estates. Messrs Macdonald, Wilson and Co. insert advertisements of Important sales of landed properties. On Thursday next at 2.30 o’clock at their Exchange Land Mart they will eel], under instructions from Mr Wm. Tompsitt, the whole of his city and country freehold properties, comprising valuable and highly improved farm property, containing 298 acres, situate at Urenni, near Waitara; valuable corner block of land, Charlotte street and Sydney street, subdivided into seven building sections; block of land, Sydney street, 68ft Sin by 106 ft irregular, with two newlyerected brick residences of nine and seven rooms respectively; family residence adjoining, containing twenty-two rooms, with land 57 x 120 ft irregular; property Molesworth street, having a frontage of 29ft by a depth of 132 ft, adjoining Air T. J. Leighton’ns premises; corner business block with residence and cottage, frontage 73ft to Ingestre street, and 103 ft to Ingestre place; property Ingestre street with brick residence and land 39 x 101 ft 7in; family residence, Abel Smith street, containing ten rooms, with land 69ft Sin x 94ft. Lithographic plans showing the whole of the properties can be had on application. On account of other vendors the firm will submit a valuable property in Vivian street, having a frontage of 40ft by a depth of 132 ft with six-roomed residence erected thereon; seven very ohoicolbnildinig sections atl Kelburne: good building section, 81ft frontage to Pipitea street by a depth of 132 ft; and cottage residence, containing four rooms and scullery, situate Little Pipitea street, with land 27ft x 51ft. On the 29th met. will be sold absolutely without reserve that fine building known as "The Mansions” Private Hotel. Ghuznee street. Pull details appear in a lengthy advertisement. A preliminary notice appears of the sale by auction on the 11/h December of the block of land formerly known as the agricultural show grounds at Petone, subdivided into 143 sections, plans and full details of which will appear later. On the Ist December the firm will submit a valuable and highly-finished family residence situate in Ellice street, details of which appear. Messrs Harcoarfc and Co. draw attention to their forthcoming auction sales to take place at their rooms, Lambton quay. Next Monday afternoon they will submit under instructions from the liquidator of tho Eohinoor Gold Dredging Co., the whole of tho company’s dredge plant, etc., together with the company’s special claim T 998, block 1, Totara Survey District. On Friday next they will sell seventeen excellent villa sites at Karori, being part of Thorby’s farm, and situate close to Baker's Hill tunnel. The allotments have wide frontages to Creswiok road, Thorby street and Northland and Karori road. On the same date will be offered parts of town acres 509 and 510, having a frontage of 36ft to Boulcotb street by a depth of 220 ft, upon which are erected residences known as Waverley House (11 rooms) and Notley House (Orooms).