LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5667, 15 August 1905, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tho statement made by Mr Fisher at the Town Hall last evening that should tho forms of the House permit he will to-day read tho affidavits lie has in' Ids possession regarding payments to Captain Seddon, give fresh interest to tho meeting of Parliament this afternoon. These affidavits are signed by Messrs Willis, Larcombo, and West, who are employed in the Post and Telegraph Department at Christchurch. At the Masterton Court yesterday, before Sir W. P. James, S.M., a Chinaman named Hen Gen was fined 10s, costs 7s, for supplying cigarettes to a boy under fifteen years of age. The boy was charged with smoking, and was convicted and discharged. The same Chinaman was also charged with keeping his shop open after the hours fixed by law. The defendant, who carries on business as a grocer and fruiterer, divided hi* shop by a wooden partition, one part being closed and the other kept open. The Magistrate held that the two compartments were one shop within the meaning of the act, and imposed a fine of Is and. costs (7s).

The City Council decided yesterday to obtain the services of Mr J. J. Dovine to revise and consolidate the whole of the city by-laws. Entries for the theoretical musical examinations of Trinity College, London, to he held on December 2nd. close at Bess's, Willis street, on the 23rd rust. Information has been received from Fiji hy the police at Auckland of the aimest of P. Dawson, accountant of the Auckland Pacing Club, who is charged with misappropriation of the club’s money.

It is intended to put two extra stories on the ’Western Hotel, in Willis street, now in course of erection, thus making it a building of six stories. The City Council yesterday approved the alteration, conditionally upon two Sin firealarm bells being placed on each floor. At the meeting of the Pet one Borough Council last evening it was agreed that the Gear Meat Company and the Wellington Meat Export Company should bo communicated with asking on what terms they would be prepared to supply electric power for a tramway ,service for the borough. Tho Onslow Borough Council recently made application to the City Council for permission to destroy rubbish in tho city destructor. Owing to tho fact that tho destructor is already called upon to do more work than should be imposed on it, tho Council decided that it could not comply with the request. At a meeting of the ladies' section of the Navy League. held yesterday afternoon, it was decided lo form a ‘Lee’’ to make tho nineteen flags required to complete tho hoist of Nelson's signal which is to bo made on Trafalgar Day. The other thirteen flags are in the code, and are obtainable from the shipping companies.

A Maori gathering was held at Horowheiiua a few days ago for tho purpose of selecting a candidate to oppose Mill. Kaihau at the general election. Three natives sought the suffrages of tho electors, and 11 acre Simmons, of llangitibei, found favour. Ho wilt address tho Horowhcnua natives at au early date.

There is every prospect of something being done to improve tho desolate appearance of tho Pctono beach. The Pctono Borough Council has instructed its engineer to report on the cost of planting the foreshore with suitable trees; and several Councillors last night intimated their willingness to give seats to place along tho beach. Sun-blinds formed the theme of several motions at tho Council meeting yesterday, tho minimum height proposed varying from 6ft Ciu to 7ft bin. “ Personally I object to tho whole concession,” said the Mayer; “first of all, you give people tho right to erect verandahs, and now to enclose them.” Tho matter was referred to tho'By-laws Committee.

The third anniversary of the Young Men’s Christian Association will Ire celebrated by a meeting at the Town Hall on tho IP.h prox., at which tho Governor will preside. On that occasion tho new building scheme will he announced. Tho members of the association have themselves promised to contribute £OOO to the fund, the payments to be spread over a period of throe years.

Mr A. H. Vile, a member of tho 'Wellington Education Board, has advised the secretary (.Mr G. L. Stewart) that arrangements have been made to house tho children attending the Hukaiiui School—destroyed by fire last week—in the local hall. The children are being given holidays this week, to allow of arrangements being made for re-open-ing in tho hall on Monday next. The furniture for the lower classes was saved, but the rest was destroyed.

Owing to the habit the City Council lias got into of declining to act on the reports of tho Abattoirs Committee, two of tho mem Imre of that committee, Councillors Murdoch and Gibbs, tendered their resignations. Councillor Murdoch said lie thought it was waste of time and money getting plans and .specifications and inspecting sites until the Council had affirmed its intention to construct abattoirs. The Council yesterday, without committing itself to any promise to amend its behaviour, decided to ask Councillors Murdoch and G.bbs to withdraw their resignations.

For displaying rabbits for sale in Ms fish simp last Wednesday afternoon during tho hours his shop was required by law to bo closed for the sale of such goods, William Hurcorab was proceeded against by tho Inspector' of Factories. Ho pleaded as an excuse that ho lived some miles away from the shop, and was not aware of tho breach being committed. His boys liad told him that they had seen a notice in a paper saying rabbits could be sold under the definition of “fishmonger.” Tile rabbits were only hanging out for about twenty minutes. Dr -McArthur lined defendant 10s, with costs (7s). Dr McArthur, S.M., yesterday informed Morris Harris—a. German Jew, and a jeweller, who is a recent arrival in the colony—that if ho travelled far in this country ho would soon bo deprived of his jewellery and his cash as well. Morris met a young man named Cody at tho Upper Untt, and in exchange for a cheque for £5 ss, signed “Air W. Norris,” ho supplied Cody, who described himself as a naval officer in search of deserters, with a silver watch and chain valued at £3 5s and £2 in cash (change). Although the cheque was drawn in favour of George Giles, was endorsed by Cody, and signed with “Air” in front of “Norris,” the vendor made no inquiries. The cheque was not accepted by the bank, and Cody was arrested for forgery, a charge which was afterwards altered to false pretences. There was much laughter in Court when Dr McArthur remarked to tho unfortunate pedlar, “ Accused must have heard you were coming and waited for you.” Cody was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

At tiio opening of the Hutt Borough Council’s meeting last evening, the Mayor (Mr T. W. McDonald) said ho iv i si led to refer to a “ breach of privilege.” At a previous meeting the Council had gone into close committee to discuss certain matters relating to trams, and a full report of tho proceedings had appeared in the local paper. Ho asked the Councillor who had supplied the information to give an explanation. Councillor Ycrex explained that ho had supplied the report, but he thought it was public property. A ; long discussion ensued, in which the, opinion was expressed by some Coun-1 cillors that Councillor Terex had committed a flagrant breach of privilege: others said that committee work should be abol'shcd. Tho Mayor moved ‘-That Councillor Terex was guilty of contempt of the standing orders and instructions of this Council.” He said that meant a censure from the chair. The Mayor’s motion was seconded by Councillor Ward and carried. The Mayor then censured the erring Councillor —“ ignominious contempt ” had been committed, and ho hoped it would, not occur again. '

Tho annual meeting of the No. 2 Cooperative Building Society, called for last night, lapsed for want of a quorum.

The Marlborough Education Board has received notification that sums amounting to £9OO have been granted for technical education purposes at Blen heim.

There are 4300 persons at present employed on Government co-opcralive-works—27ll by tho Public Works Department (.including 1220 on tho North Island Main Trunk railway) and 1849 by the Department of Hoads. At tho mooting of the committee ot tho Maslerton A. and P. Association on Saturday, it was decided to appoint a committee to make arrangements by which owners of entires might haw them examined, in accordance with the resolution passed at tho Agricultural Conference at Wellington. Tho annual conference of delegate* from the Employers’ Associations of New Zealand will open in Wellington on tho oth prox.. ami will probably last two days. The chief subjects lor dis cussion will be the demands of the* Labour Conference and the Workers - *’ Compensation for Accidents Act. The_ City Solicitor lias furnished tlm Council with an opinion lo the effect; that in carrying luggage on the tram cars, whether free or not. the Connell is. in the position of a common carrier, ami is responsible. The notice that it accepts no responsibility gives no absolution. Debate on the question of imposing a charge for luggage has boor, postponed.

Tho Supreme Court action of-Re-becca Lovo v, David Everest, in which plaintiff claims £2OO for alleged wrongful removal, came before hi» Honor the Chief Justice yesterday morning, and was adjourned until Mom day, as a settlement is ponding. Tiw ciise of D. Mason and Sons, Limited, v. Arete Maluipukn and others, in, which tho claim is £490 2s XOd, on promissory notes, was also called on before tho Chief Justice, and, on the application of counsel, .placed at tho bottom of the list, as tho parties arc‘not ready to proceed at present.

A well-attended mooting of tlio executive of tho Employers’ Association was bold in the rooms, Willis streot v last evening. Mr Thomas Ballinger presided. It was reported that strong, opposition had boon made to t.ho amendment of the Factories- Act. Tho dinner of tho association was fixed for Wednesday, September Oth, at Go-dber’a, One new member was elected. Correspondence on the observance of odd. holidays on Mondays was referred to tho Federation for favourable considerstion. Messrs Cable, Ballinger, Voitcb, and J. P. Lube were appointed representatives io the Federation Conference. Warm approval was expressed of the action of the Insurance Institute in discussing the medical aspect of the Workers’ Compensation Act. At, the annual meeting of the Eltbani Co-operative Dairy Company on Saturday, the repeat showed that G 33 tons of butter wore manufactured last year, the suppliers receiving an average payment of Old per lb of butter-fat. The butter sales realised £56,000, the milk suppliers receiving £-18,893. The company now has ten creameries in operation. It is estimated that this season there will bo an increase of £SOOO in the suppliers’ cheques. The four principal factories doing business in the Eltham district realised over £150,000 by sales, and paid to farmers between £120,000 and £130,000. This season’s estimates anticipate at least a 10 per cent, increase. Tho company on Saturday refused an offer of 9iid per lb for its butter output from September to April (inclusive) for tho next three years. A land transaction of some magnitude has been negotiatcd.during tho past few days by Messrs William H. Turnbull; and Co., namely, tho sale of tho picturesque Lowry Bay estate, across the harbour. Tho portion sold comprises about 370 acres, and the price paid is between £35,000 and £-10.000. It has been purchased by a Wellington syndicate from Mr H. D. Bell. A portion, of 1 ho. Bay proper is to he reserved for members of the syndicate, who propose to build some fine seaside residences thereon. The land at Point Howard, alittle ’ nearer the Hntt. will be subdivided and roaded at once, and will bo placed on the market during the coming spring. One of the- first improvements to bo put in hand will bethe ercfjion of a substantial wharf, which win enable tho Bay to bo served regularly. Mr William Madder, of Wellington., lias invented an automatic ballot-box, which is very ingenious, and has much to commend it on the score of simplicity. Under this invention the voter, on giving his name or number to the returning office-.- or his deputy, is furnished with metal balls corresponding with the number of candidates to be elected, and.he drops tho marbles into openings in the box underneath tho candidates" names bo desires to vote for, and retires. Eacli bal), as it passes in, falls upon the periphery of a pallet-wheal and forms a balance weight, by which the wheel revolves a certain distance, an action which automatically registers a number on a cyclometer. The ball, immediately it has done its work, runs back to the official by a channel, and so may bo used over and over again. If a person docs not desire to vote for as many candidates as ho may, there is a “waste slot” to put marbles in. Mr Madder maintains that his machine cannot bo tampered with, and its adoption would save the delay of counting voting papers after tho close of the poll. The invention is to he exhibited to membersof Parliament to-day. The “Labour Journal” for August, reporting on tho state of trade, etc., in Wellington, states that the building trades are improving. A largo amount, of building is doing in tho city and suburbs, but owing to so many tradesmen coming in from the Old Country and neighbouring States, there arc still a number out of cmpldyrncnt. Bricklayers a.nd plasterers are now making better time, and, it is expected, will be kept fairly busy during the next few months. The engineering trade keeps quiet, and there is no visible prospect of improvement, but good business is being done in builders’ ironwork. Business in the boot trade is very good, and some factory-owners have a difficulty in obtaining machinists, even at advanced rates. The clothing trade remains quiet, but this is usual at this time of the year, and prospects are good for the coming season. Fair business is being done in the general retail trade. Saddle and harness-making is rather quiet, and a few tradesmen are out of employment. Coachbuilding is fairly steady, but not brisk. Hat and capmaking. very busy. During the month just ended wort: for unskilled labourers has, on tho whole, been more plentiful than for th« past month or two, and the department has, therefore, been fairly wall abla to meat tho demands of those seeking employment, especially those suited to manual labour. There is a demand at present for really good bush men. One hundred and forty-two men, with ninety-eight dependants, have been forwarded to private and Government emulovincut.

A woman who upponrrd at tho Follco Court. yesterday mojniin a in support of art application for .s:i: n: ijh ry separation from her husband, declared vv'UJj fp'cat candour that sho often told her husband lies!

“I always like to but on a certainty.'* 'Hijs highly moral Kon-iment w.as uttered by Mr T. K. Taylor, M.lUt., in his address at the Town Hall last, night, and was loudly applauded by 11 j<• largo audience, which palpably did not contain many people versed in the ethics of betting.

Tn the .Snnroino Court this mormni .•At 10 o'clock their Honors the Chh‘ Justice and -Mr Jn.dice Coop* :• uill d<‘ liver Llno r reserved j m Ir'inon 1 s in Hi of llio ,Mt ornoy-Honcral v. Set, ivmit'-Ii : Clifford and oHn-r.; r. the Min j.-icr of Lamh; and llokona t v. Soldi Sniilk and otln rs.

31r Fred {‘ollin, a former resident o Leicester, irritos to correct an erro in our lemilon correspondent's ilescrip turn of llio march of the nnomployi < from J/eice-ster to London end back Jl.o shales Unit tlio distance is mil; iiinety-entlit miles liy road, or ft)(i mill for tiro double journey, instead of ‘b'Ji miles

The number of persons as-ds'.ed h; Vho Depart ment of during Jub was 5r4, wUJi 08D persons dependeo Upon them. Three hundred and seventy Bix were oeni t.o (Government works am 178 to private employment. Of tin mlal number assisted 208 came fron the North island, 227 from tin* Soutl I.dand, 21 from Australia, and 2U iron Ureat Britain.

Persons interested in fruit cannin. the possibilities of that indu-try i 'Now Zealand will have an opportnnil ■.at 2.30 this afternoon, at the Govern moat iliological and I tort icultoral olfl aors’ rooms, in the ('n.st oinhomve Jjiiihl in,'!, of iii'penting exhibits of New Zoa land and (.'alifornian fruits of variou •Trades and varieties. A comparisoi of the produet of the two coiintrie uhoidd prove doubly interesting and in struclivo.

The steamer Taieri, which arrived on Sunday with coal from the Stale /nines, commenced discharging yesterday. Of tlie OlHi tons of Stale coal on board, about iMU was screened household coal. About /illy tons of this was supplied in the Public Works Department, and I lie balance is being carted away by dealers and the few householders who can get their orders iulUJled. Tim department has, in view .a site for a coal depot for tho city-. Messrs John Hayes, James Gout Is, J. H. Fox, and 10. Green, appointed by tho Government to impure into tho working of tho State coal mine, yesterday arranged to sit in Wellington this morning. The members of the Hoard, accompanied by -Mr A. IMacclougall, managing agent for the State mines, visited tho wharf in Die afternoon, lo mo tho Taieri discharging her cargo, and acquaint themselves by personal observation with tho methods employed.

Some amusement was created at tho i'olico Commission's sitting yesterday •when ono of Lho Commissioners, in looking through the papers of an applicant for admission to lho force, remarked that it seemed the man measured forty-one inches round the chest on entering the training-depot, add on leaving, Ids chest-measurement was only lidUn! The officer in charge of the depot, who was in the witness-box at tiio time, said. “Ves, but ho grew throo-cpiarterd of an inch in height w.liilo lie was in. 1\ o have several oases like that. 0

Two or three police sergeants, in the .iDiirso of their evidence before tlio Police Commission yesterday, made no secret of the fact that they consider themselves to bo underpaid and overworked. All complained of the high cost of living in Wellington. Guo, however, luul a tilt at Auckland. Ho stated that in tlio throe years ho spent there it laid cost him £l3O more to.livo than ho drew in pay. Another, dealing with expenses in Wellington, said, "Some married constables in tins city can hardly pay their way, in fact, some actually can't do it, and are in debt.” Tho following subscriptions were acknowledged yesterday at, tho fortnightly meeting of tho Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals: —Stewart Dawson and Co., £1 Is; Airs A. Ji. Kemot, Messrs T. King, A. S. Paterson and Co., Ferguson and Hicks, Wuirarapa Farmers’ Co-oporativo Association jnich 10s tid; Alossrs T. Hose, A. and T. Burt, Ltd., Alex. Dunn, A. V. Knapp, A. H. Turnbull, and Harcourb and Co., each Os; Mosdamcs J. Boyd, Hugo, Aldous, Messrs C. Bidding, Ccderholm, W. Hutchings, B. Johnson, T. Wkitehouse. and Hustwick, each 2s itkl: Airs Camoron, 2s: total, £0 Bs.

People should he careful to inquire from doubtful vendors of goods whole ttixo "wares come from. At "tiro magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, Dr .McArthur had a few words to say on bho subject. A man was charged "with tho the ft of a portmanteau from tho. iAI Hotel, which. William Barnett, barman in tho Wellington Hotel, said ho ■purchased for 3s. When buying tho bag, Bamott said ho was not awaro there was clothing in it, but when be discovered tho fact, ho informed the police. Hr McArthur said it was highly improper for any barman to buy a bag in tho manner stated.

With reference to a statement in our issue of yesterday's dale that Mrs Janet Plinuner, widow of the lato John I,’limlucr, is contesting Mr Plimmer’s will, and askiaig for a decree that lie died Intestate, we aro desired by tho exccu:'tors to state that wo have been misinformed on tbo point. An action to set aside tho will was instituted by Messrs Findlay, Dalziell and 00., solicitors for Mrs Pliimncr, but was discontinued ®omo months ago. Tho point remaining to bo decided is whether the allowance paid by tbo separation deed of 1874 is sufficient for .Mrs Plimmer's maintenance. If it is found to bo insufficient, tho Court 'has power to add to it. by virtue of tho provisions of tho Testator’s Family Maintenance Act, 1900. The Police Commission, set up to inquire into the recent Dunedin scandals, and into tho control, supervision, and general efficiency of tho police force throughout tho colony, commenced its Wellington sitting yesterday. Several witnesses were examined, and tho evidence adduced was of an interesting nature, covering a wide Held, chiefly in connection with tho local force. Several improvements were pointed out as being necessary for tho bettor supervision of tho forco, tho most urgent being an extension of accommodation at t'ho Lambton quay and Mount Cook stations. Allegations were made by a constable that a suspicion existed of preference being shown to Homan Catholics in appointments to the higher •flicial positions. This gave rise to considerable dicouision, wbioh endad in the Commissioner of Police (Mr W’. Dinnie) undertaking to furnish tho Commission with .returns showing tho appointments of commissioned officers made'since 1,870. A full report of tho proceedings appears in another part ol this issue. The Commission resumes at half-past ton this morning.

The political meeting in the Town Hull yesterday evening was a “record” one in -Jio matter of press reporters—no fewer tban eighteen representatives of flic ‘-fourth estate” being present faking notes.

AVith a view to impies'-ang on his Ik'.'jrnx that, if they wanted reform or anything else. they must go out after it .Mr Lauieiisou u-ed a toiling anecdote at the meeting in the Town flail yesterday evening: Inif-the unfortunate tiling about his illustration, was that it seemed to imply that a resort to dishonest means is justifiable. The story was that of an American negro who wauled a turkey, and who told how lie prayed to the Lend lo send that turkey .along, hut wi'hout avail. Avhen. hove ever, he changed his prayer, and asked the Lord lo send him after the turkey—well, the turkey was there next morning! •iupp’s ‘Rand intends to visit Christchurch at Cli.:s!tii;i«. Three players nr" wanted to augment the .-ilnmglh of the hand.

Applications are invitrrl hy the. Kducation Hoard up to f Ik* 2(»< h iiNsl. for several p.'isit on.-} ns to.u-liois.

At I o'clock this afternoon, Messrs J. fL. Lefhuno and (Jo,, at their auction rooms. Feathorston street, will commence sale of a consign meat of 1100 IBooks f‘\ .Ayrsiiire, from London. Catalogues of flu* five dnndred arji eleven lory may be obtained fiorn (lie aucfioneers, ami the bnokr-i a rrj on view. This eonsignment is said lo bn flic best ever sent from Fngianij to Wellington. The sale will be '•on! inued 1 o-nioiroiv, commencing again at I o'clock Messrs Monnsoy and Co. insert details on our eighth page of an engine*, boiler, motor car, confectionery plant, etc., lo bo sold at Church street, west, Palmerston North, next Thursday. A new advertisement regarding "Champion muscle-raiser" appears in another column. The W.F.C.A. Lnmbton quay, claims Miat ifs brand of Immo and bacon is the best in (ho city. The Globe Proprietary Company has a number of businesses for nolo. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., will hold a sale of horses at Palmerston Xorth ne.\(; Saturday. Sonic special entries appear on page 8. 'J ho steamer Taieri will deliver State coal at Ihe wool wharf to-day. The consignment. which is screened, is from a new area in Hie Seddonville mine, nml is saul lo bo equal lo the best coal in Xew Zealand for household purposes. Pull particulars are given in our advertising 1 he right boots and shoes at the right prices is (he announcement made in our advertising columns by A. Lindsay, Ltd. Parliculars aro advertised by Messrs bidcy, Mccc-h and Co., of an auction sale ol silver-plated ware to be held at their rooms next Friday, commencing at 11 a.m. The goods comprise a complete range ol samples, which were intended for South Africa, but owing to a mistake by the shipping company they were overcarried to Xcw Zealand. The Australian General Electric Company intends to carry on business at Evans' .Building. Lambton quay. Mr J. F Welch is attorney in New Zealand for the comjia ny. K. Hannah and Co.. Ltd., advertise special values in boys' and girls' chrome calf boots for school wear. Messrs Penty and Blake want tenders lor the erection of a three-story brick building in 13aBanco street. Alossni Johnstone and Co., Manners street, advertise various lines in fancy goods, books, and stationery. Abraham and Williams, Ltd., insert present entries for Thursday’** stock sale at Palmerston.