CURRENT TOPICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11395, 12 April 1899, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

Dunodin to Orislchiireh in two hours and a-

half! The suggestion seems

THE monstrous, and yet if the monotastest rail railway is to prove the sue-' train ON cess which its inventor, Mr J?. EAItTH. B. Belir, anticipates, it is well

within tb° range of probability. The mono-rail is already a tried success on small lines, and the Imperial Parliament is this year to be asked to pass an act authorising t!ie construction of a line on which passengers shall bo carried between Manchester and Liverpool—a distance of thirty miles— in twenty minutes, or at the rate of 90 milos per hour. The new line will differ from the .ordinary track in that it will consist of a single rail elevated about four fset from the ground, and supported on A-shaped steel trestles. The position of the coach on, the rail may be likened to the saddle packs which hang down on eacli side of a horse's back. The triangular supports will be placed about 3ft 3in apart, and at each side will be fixed side lines. These are placed about 18in above each other. • Those are called guide rails, and their object is to increase the stability of the system, and to engage tlie 32 horizontal guide wheels with which the car is fitted. The motive power will be electricity, and the cars, each of which eontainß four electric motors, will pick up the current frjom an electrical conductor. There is (a writer in. ''Pearson's Magazine" points cut). nothing, now in Uie idea of a single-line railway. As long ago as 1326 one was constructed, but it was soon abandoned. Since then many systems have been mootod, but there is only one which at the present day is to be found in operation. ' This system is the Larligue Mono-Kail railway, which is based upon li device adopted by Charles Lartigue, t.lie engineer to a French company in an. Algerian agricultural district, .where an ordinary ground railway was in use for the transport of esparto grass from the buundless plains to the main lines of communication. The rails were often quite obliterated, being .buried 'under clouds of sand accumulated in the sandstorms which prevail in that country. 11. Lartigue determined to surmount this obstacle, and the idea of a single line railway Mas suggested to him-in a very curious manner. The sight of a caravan of camels following one another in a long string and laden with thellin (a kind of wallet hanging down on e;\ch side of them), brought to his mind's eye an elevated rail: the legs of the camels became trestles, their humps were transformed into wheels, and the thellis took shapo as a car. A line wa« soon built, the rail was supported on treaties, and tlie tru^fes had wheels in the middle so that they ran on tlie rail pannier fashion, the haulage being clone by mules. Such was the genesis of the mono-rail railway.

In 1886 a new era for the mono-rail com-

mencccl. In this year the very trials or first line on (lie Lartigue sys-

THE tern to bo worked by locomo-MOKO-r.Ail. lives was designed and built by

Mr Behr, who had become interested in the method and had convinced himself that it would prove as successful for passenger and goods traffic as it had done for thu transport of small agricultural-, pro-1 ducc. The trial line was constructed at Tothill Fields, Westminster, on a full working scale. The object was to show that a monorail was more economical, much safer, more

easily built, and less.costly to maintain than tho ordinary light railway witli double track in all countries where natural difficulties had to be surmounted. Encouraged by the success of. this experiment, Mr Behr in 1888 built a one-rail railway in Ireland between Listowel and Ballybunion. This line has now been working nearly eleven years most satisfaetorily,\ and (me of its principal features is its absolute safety. Similar lines, all worked by steam locomotive power, have been built in France, Russia, Peru, Guatemala, and elsewhere. The conviction had, however, gradually grown on Mr Behr that the demand for a rapid system' of locomotion could only bo mot with perfect safety by tho elevated fiisiglo-liue railway,, as there*is no hopo of tho existing two-rail railways attaining more thansixty miles per hour, because they could not with safety be run round curves at a higher rate. In 1893 Mr Behr proposed a lightning express railway service lit 120 to 150 miles an liciuri The idea was scouted, but, at, the last Belgian International Exhibition :an experimental line was built at a cost to Mr Behr himself of £40,000. This was the first line for passenger traflio to be propelled'by' electrical power. A car capable of holding. 100 persons was built, and passengers were carried around the three-mile- track at the rate of 90 miles an hour; higher speeds could have been reached had more current been available. It is, therefore, no nc\v system, that Mr Behr proposes to adopt between Liverpool and Manchester. He holds that there is no reason why railway companies should not construct lightning express railways at 150' mileß an hour. In that day a person will bo able to travel from London to Edinburgh in.«.hours and 40 minutes, and, with the additional promise ot a speed of forty to fifty miles an hour on steamboats fitted with rotary engines, a London resident will be enabled to carry oh business in Paris,' personally attend to its details day by day, and spend his evenings with his family iu London! ;

Over twenty- millions sterling represents the

■'; estimated net cost of the British WHAT THE Army for the financial year,

BlilTisir ; which was entered upon a few ABMY COSTS.' days ago. '• The estimates show

consider?.!)!, increases in all the main items. ' <". For, the past financial year the1 net cost of,the army was originally estimated at £19,220j550, but a supplementary estimate increased the total tpM320,105,500. For the now current year the estimate is £20,617,200, ■showing an '.increase of £1,396,700 over the original estimate for the current year, and about" £500,000 more than the realised expenditure of the current year. These rough figures, need, however, a good deal of interpretation, for during the past two or three years, owing to a plethora of money in the Treasury, there. has been a practice of anticipating in one year the charges which probably belong to tlie'next. To get an accurate comparison betvveen the cost of the Army in .the current year and its estimated cost next year, varipus subEtractions and additions are ' necessary! ' When these have been made it will be found that the real increase in'the Army Estimates is almost exactly one million sterling. This increase is in the main due to the. steady growth of the numberof men in the Army. On January I', 1897, the number of-men of all ranks, exclusive of those serving in India, was 145,737; twelve :months latetv the number had swelled to 14-8,677; and on .January 1, 1899, it was 158,318. This large. increase in numbers is partly explained jby the hew rule which permits reserve men to rejoin tile ranks for a limited period under certain conditions. Last year no fewer than 4500 men availed tnemselvee of this permission. Their action did not, however, weaken the reserve, for as.it happened an exceptional number of men were last year passed into the reserve owing to heavy recruiting seven years .previously. Op- January 1, 1899, the reserve stood at 78,798" men, and during the current '.calendar ' year is . expected to rise to 83,0.00. . But, besides enticing men back . to^.the colours from the reserve, tlie Army,lias - also received an additional number ;of recruits. The number of recruits ■ obtained* in ' 1898 was 40,729, or, roughly, 5000 more than in the previous year. Of the recruits, 34 per cent (as compared with 29 per cent.' in the ' previous year) were "specials," or men enlisted below the standard, but.it is anticipated that, the bulk of these will'.quickly,grow to the full' size. In addition to,providing wages, food,,and clothing for. a largely increased army; the Government has undertaken various improvements in weapons and.material, which help to explain the increase in the Estimates. The batteries of the horse and field artillery are being rapidly converted to the quick-firing system, and this change, inv addition to its immediate cost, involves the further cost of a greater supply.of ammunition waggons.

A case of considerable interest was argued before his Honor- Mr Justice Pennefather in Banco yesterday. It was a:i appeal from the decision of the magistrate in a case brought under the Factories Act against the management of the Salvation.Army Rescue Home at Rockyside. The objeqt of the proceedings was to bring the.Home under the Factories Act, subject to inspection and other conditions, or. the 'ground that the laundry at the institution was a factory in the same sense as other public laundries in Dunedin. Mr Graham, S.M., dismissed the case in the court below on the ground that it had not been proved that the persons working in the Rescue.Home laundry did so for hire or reward. '• In the course of the argument, his Honor pointed out that if the act applied, a .girl, of 15 who had not passed the Fourth Standard and who was,an inmato of the Rescue Home could not be employed there, and that though it might be well that the sanitary provisions of the act should be enforceable, there could be no need for provisions npiiiust excessive labour,for as soon as any inmate felt she was doing top'much she might stop working altogether. The decision of the lower court was sustained without counsel for the respondent being, called upon. Mr Wilkinson, howover, mentioned that the Public Health. Act #we all the needed power regarding proper sanitation, and said that the principle of the refuge was " Graco, not the reward of works." His Honor replied that it was "a tenancy frankalmoigne," a legal term from the Norman French, signifying a tenancy in which the tenant is free from temporal service. The appeal was dismissed without costs, none being, applied for.

The City Police Court yesterday, miring the hearing of the Banwell charges, presented very much the appearance of a fancy goods shop. Vases, mirror's,.. tea-pots, water r sets, clocks, and ornaments of great variety, were contained in large iron baths,, two go-carts' occupied- the floor of the courC, and on the table fronting the clerk's deek were innumerable pareols 'containing rolls of cloth.linen, and fabrics'of many kinds. The hearing of the charges occupied pretty well the whole of the day, and some record work was done in the morning, when four indictable eases were put through. -

At a sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday for.the.hearing.of matrimonial causes, a decree absolute for the dissolution of marriage was granted to the husband in the divorce proceedings Sim v. Sim. The case of Gill v. the Duncdin City Corporation is set down for hearing to-day. '

Mr E. H. Carew) S.M., held a sitting of the 01d:age-Pensions Court yesterday, when ho granted nine full pensions, four partial pensions (one at £16, one at £11, and two at £12), and rejected three claims.

A meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery was held in First Church last night, the Rev. I. Jolly (moderator) presiding. The Presbytery considered in private two matters —one affecting the North Dunedin congregation, and the other the Lumsden congregation. In the North Dunedin case the presbytery heard the petitioners, and also some rebutting statements, and then adjourned till Thursday next, when the Rev. Mr M'lntyre will bo heard.

Our Roxburgh correspondent telegrapns:— "Mr Rawlius,' M.H.R.. addressed his constituents here on Monday evening. His address was mainly on the lines of his Lawrence speech on Bth March. He received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence on the motion of Messrs- 0. '('bajier and J. Sands.'.' ■

In the mining case Howoll v. Boss, which was argued In Banco at the end of last month, his Honor : y,eaterday gave judgment, granting a writ of certiorari.

Our Lawrence correspondent informs us that the Klondyko dredge, -which is to work the lower portion of Wetherstones Flat, was to have commenced work yesterday, but tit daylight, it'was discovered that from some cause or other she ha/1 sunk to the bottom of the dam. The owners have now to let all the water out of the dam and pump the pontoons dry before they can get her again in readiness for another start. ; '

Tho monthly meeting ot the Dunedinj Christian Endeavour Union took place on Monday. The Rev. F. W. Boreham was voted to thb chair. SevMal reports were given in .by various societies during the, month, and .on' the whole proved very encouraging. Of the country societies, Lawrence and Fairfield were visited. •; Delegates from most of the societies were present, including a representative from the \ Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union, who had come in the interests of tho pallet of that union—viz., the New Zealand Bpdeavourei. If it was suppbrteil hy tho Otago Societies, he promised that it would be made larger and much more interesting than it was at present. The best thanks of tho meeting |were tendered to Mr Brovyn, of Mosgiel, for'the loan of his- paddock at the. time of tho recent convention. Arrangements were made for the annual convention, which, is to be held on paturdaj, June 9, <and several committees were appointed in. connection therewith. -':'■' • '

The monthly 'meeting of the Morriington School Committee was attended by Messrs Joachim (in the ohair). Moody, Scoular, Reynolds, Ford, Diclison, M'Crorie, and Mearns. 'J*he lUV. Mr Seo'rgio's offer to deliver a lecture, with lanfcerji .illustrations, on behalf of the gymnasium fund, was accepted with thank?. The Head Master reported that tho average attendance last quarter was 459; number on roll at cnd\of quarter, 511. The Secretary read a draft of the annual report, which, was amended .and didopted.

The Hawko's Bay, Herald reports that Mr James Hislopy architect, Dunedin, has been engaged by the Najjier Borough Council to advise the council ihthe matter of erecting abattoirs for ifapiei Mr Hislop will leave for Napier next week, when ;he will advise the council on; the jiubject of site, etc., and will afterwards ■ prepare iplans and specifications for the necessary buildings, etc.

The annual meotinjj of householders for the election of school committees will be held on Monday, the 24th.iniit., in the sehqolhouse of each district, except in-the districts ot Caver-' sham and Lawrence, where the meetings will, be in the respective town halls.

A new Roman Ca^iolic Church is to be opened at jWaihqla ori ' Sunday next, and in connection therewith special trains are to bo run from Dunedin and Balclutha for Waihola.

It is understood that Mosgiel House and v grounds have been purchased by Bishop Verdon for the Roman Catholic Seminary for the training of priests which is about to be started. ■/.'''■ " '

, The Temuka Leader (a- Government organ) states that owing ;c ill-health M: E, U. Wright will not stand for Ashburton next election. The Opposition for the district will, we are informed, be Mr Charles IJarper. Mr M'Lachian 'will do battle for. the Government, while Mr .Maslin will be the; prohibition candidate. ■ ~.

The Wairarapa Standard reports a. narrow escape from a railway accident, averted only by the promptitude of the driver of the Wc!-lington-Napier express train. Our contemporary says: "Where the railway line crosses the road just on- this side of Opaki, the passengers; were startled by the whistle to down brakes, and in an instant every head was at the windows to ascertain the cause. " To their dismay they beheld a. horse and trap containing three sheep with apparently no driver leisurely crossing the line. The brakes had the effect of checking the speed sufficiently to clear the trap by about 2ft, when to the horror of everyone it was seen that the reins had bees tied to the side of the,trap,.and-the driver—. a lad apparently about 14 years of age—was lying in the bottom fast asleep. The noise.jof. •the passing train not in the least.hastened the speed of the horse or aroused the" sleeping figure, who remained'unconscious of the dangor which he so narrowly escaped." ■ ■

"It is sometimes said, often on slender evidence, and as a reproach to our national system of education, that, while ;^tod instruction is imparted in reading, and writing and generally in the attainment of knowledge, tho teaching of manners is sadly neglected. Speaking generally, we think teachers deserve the sympathy of the public for the pains taken to correct the faults of their pupils; but in largo mixed schools almost insuperable difficulties sometimes, arise > bringing xmder proper control children who are either altogether neglected at . home or subjected; to counteracting influences."—From the Inspector of Schools' annual report to the Wellington Education Board. . .

Some heavy hauls of fieri were obtained ao Akaroa Heads last week (says the Lyttolton Times), three boats landing over 100 large fish on one tide. A Maori fisherman named Hokiangi got over 600 barracouta, which he has cured for the winter. He also delivered 84 hapuka and 19 dozen barracouta to the local canning factory, clearing £6,15s for two, days' fishing. Crayfish are now beginning to run, and the local boats are fitting out, expecting a busy season.

Mr Ayson, the curator of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, was present at a meeting of the council of the society held on.Friday night, and gave members some valuable information as to the importation of game from America, embodying the result of inquiries made during his recent visit to the States. He.has practically put the. society in a position1 of being able to obtain supplies of game birds with very little trouble and at comparatively low- cost, and it will probably avail itself of the opportunity. The American Department of Agriculture has lately, conducted experiments as to the destructive habits of game birds in agricultural districts, by having numbers of birds killed and their crops examined. Tables have Keen made out based on these experiments, and also a report embodying the results. This information the Wellington Society has secured, and it will be guided by it in all future importations of gamo birds from America, so that 'oho agricultural interests of the colony may not be injured in any way. No further importations can be made before November, as it is now tho close season, but the present council of the society has recommended its successors ir office to devote every attention to the importation of suitable birds from America.

The Clutha Leader states that nothing has yet been decided upon respecting the lighting of Balclutha. Mr Watt is engaged erecting a water gas plant at Pahiatua, and is subject to a heavy penalty if the works are not completed to time. In the meantime inquiries are being made with regard to acetylene gas. The idea amongst a number is to secure a plant of their own, unless, as is probable, arrangements may be made for the erection of an acetylene gas plant on the site of the old works. It is understood that the present holder, mains, and connections would prove suitable for acetylene. Both the Presbyterian and AVesleyan churches felt the loss of the gasworks very keenly on Sunday evening. It is barely twelve months since the former had the gas installed at a total cost of somewhere about £30, having in all about 40 burners. Oni Sunday evening the service had to be conducted in the class room, lights for the main building not being available. The burning of the gasworks has been a severe blow to the (township. It is estimated that a reversion to kerosene means an initial expense of quite £]50. The Borough Council is also severely hit, the lamps on the main street and on the bridge, and the council chambers and library, having been al) lighted with gas.

The Clutha Leader yesterday commenced its career as a bi-weekly. ,

The members of the Tokomairiro Farmers' Club appear to have taken umbrage at the alteration of the conditions for county exhibits at the Dunedin Winter Show. The Bruce Herald states that, in giving notice to rescind the resolution that the club should compete at the show, Mr Henderson laid stress on the clause which excluded m.ai}uj(>rtured exhibits of farm produce,- ■■■-;'

Tho Choviot News states that tome time ago' Mr Hullcn engaged nu expert to make a thorough examination of a property owned by him on tho Seaward Range, where kero6ono was supposed to exist. The result of his investigation is that lie has athick what is believed to be an unlimited supply of pure kerosene, a sample of which the News had I ho pleasure of examining. The sample in question, although in the raw state, burns brili;nntl.y. *i\Jr Hullen Inn gone to Wellington with the object of getting the samples analysed, atltk' which ho will take imniwliato steps to float a company to work the deposits. ,

Notwithstanding that Fuller's Waxworks exhibition lias been open in Duncdiu for closo on live weeks, tin) attendances are still very'large. Last nighl; there was again a !srr[»c number ot visitor.-; present,who appeared to thoroughly on joy ru'l only the inspection o{ the figures, but tiio capital vaudeville entertainment given by the company under the management of Mr Fuller. The singers came in for unstinted -ipphuise, Mr Wilson's vcntriloquial act provn'w.d considerable incrviment, and the farce, •■Thumbs Up," with which the performance concluded, sent everybody, away in high jjivid humour. The sidn shows alono are well worth a visit. A mati■i.eo will bo given this afternoon, and the usual performance takes place in the evening.

Messrs Maclean and Co. will sell cattle at Owakn. on Friday.

Mcissrs James Samso:'. and Co. will sell on Thursday household furniture, gun, safe, etc.

An estimate of the ivceipls imd expenditure of the Borough of lloilyn, with n notice con-c-jrning the rates to 'b« levied, appears elsc-

The Christian Brothers' Gymnasium reopens on tho 18th inst. . i

The annual business meeting of tlio Dunedin Tmw Debating Society will be held this even-

Mrs A. J. M'Gregor"a town classes for daneing; etc., resume on the 17th inst. Tho St. Clair class opens on tho 14lh.

Mr Alfred H. Burton's "Evening With Great Authors" for to-siight (the fourth of the series) is entitled " The Women of Dickens: His Lornblo Women; His Foolish WomenHis Quaint Women; lii3 Hateful Women." All his "evenings" so far have been capital, and doubtless this one will bo worthy of its predecessors.

John Hislop, oldest established Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles suit all sijrlils.—Advt.

G. and T. Young, Jewellers, Princes street, ire making a special display of goods suitable for Wedding and Birthday Presents, and offer Bxceptional value. Itepsyring and manufacturing by skilled workmen.—Advt. Cabteii and Co. have just landed ex Papanui bheir third shipment new drapery. Grand variety; lowest prices. Try Carter and Co.— Advt. ..""*-

M-o-s-t R-e-1-i-a-b-l-o! For punctual time try Peter Dick, Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite CoSco Palace, .Moray place, Dune/lin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.