SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13670, 13 August 1906, Page 1 (Supplement)

SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

PERSONAL. Both Messrs T. Y. Duncan and C. 11. Mills, who have retired from ihe Ministry, have qualilied to retain ihe title of '• Honourable." Though Queen Victoria decided that anyone who completed three years as a Minister of the Crown in a self-governing colony might be eligible for this honour, the retention is not automatic. It is necessary for the colonial Government to recommend to the Imperial Government thai the persons concerned be allowed to retain ihe title, and such a recommendation is invariably approved. The New Zealand Times states that the Government will make a recommendation in respect to Messrs Duncan and Mills. The Drainage Board has received a wire from Mr Manchester, of Melbourne, accepting the position of drainage engineer. Air Manchester asks for certain information as t} the terms and conditions of his engagement; but his acceptance may he regarded as absolute. He has boon for 16 years in the employ of the Melbourne Metropolitan Drainage Board, and in Dunedin will receive £600 a year. General Bobir.gton's period of. appointment as commandant expires in October. Ho will then leave for England. Mr Leslie 11. Reynolds, C.E.. has teen engaged by the Hokitika Harbour Board to prepare a scheme for the improvement of the Hokitika Harbour. The Row James Ifcriand. of Falmcrfticli, \\ea been appointed by the Bishop's Commissary (Dean Fitchett) io the curacy of Kivmton and Otatan, and will take up his duties early in September.

llie golden wedding of Mr and Mis Alfred Wilkinson was celebrated as their residence, Kclen street, Dunedin, on July 21, when a very pleasant gathering took place in honour a! the occasion.

Ex-Sergeant Fleming, who lias relived from the Police Force after 33 years' service, was presented with » purse of sovereigns at Qcecnstown lust week. Mr Herbert lladciine. chief clerk of the Mines Department, has been appointed secretory of llio liming Board and the Coal .Mines Board, vice Mr T. 11. Uainc-r. who resigned tlio position owing to his appointment as Under-sccreiaiy of Mines.

Mr James dray, who was for many years lmnager of the maiichester department in Jle'.-rs Surgocd, Ken. and Even's Duncdin warehouse, ;md who left Wellington by tho Oswestry Grange on Monday to iako up an important position in the firm's London establishment, was honoured by his follow employees prior to his departure from Duncdin, being presented with a travelling bag for himself and a gold bracelet for Mrs Gray. Tlio Government has approval of the appointment of Mr G. Fariieid, of I'etone. as electrical instructor at the Thames School of Mires ci a, salary of «"2'K) per annum. Mr .Farlield is on the stuff 01 the railway workshops at Petone. and in charge of the electrical engineering cl-tss at the Petone Technical School.

Mr .lames Reid, who has just retired from iho position of rector of the- Tokomairii'o lJtstrit-i High School, was oniertained at a social in "the Coronation Hall on Friday nighr, -Inly 27. Mr 'Kcid was the. recipient of" piwcnlalion; from the siatf, the expupils, and the School Committee. There was 11 voir pleasant gathering of ex-pupils of Iho Cavershaiu School on 2nd August in f-ho gymnasium belonging fo tlio school for ''he purpose of making a presentation lo -Mr W. Milne, the Into- head master, who retired from the teaching profession this year, after over 41 years' service. Mr Miluo was presented with a pur.-.a of sovereigns. Mr A. It. Porteous, who has been appointed to the position of manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Cromwell, was met by the oftice staff mi a- number of clients of tho bank at (jreymoutb, and presented with a purse n! sovereigns on behalf of the clients and with a smoker's outfit on behalf of tlio staff. Tho Southland Times states that Mr Dugalcl M'P.'ietson, the unsuccessful candidate for Wallace at the general election, was presented with a purse of sovereigns at Oiautau. On returning' tlir.nks, M* M'Phersou intimated that he would again contest the scat ?A tho next election.

A ):mi:l:cr of gentlemen representing the bi.', justices of the peace, ai:<! citizens of Port Chalmers met in the. office of the clerk of the cotui, Port Chalmers, recently to make _ a presentation to Serjeant Ueerin on tiia occasion of hi? retirement from the police force. Air E. Ci. Allen, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and made the presentation, which tool; tha form of a handsome gokl repealing watch. Our Cromwell correspondent writes:—"On Friday afternoon, July 27. fully II) residents of Cromwell and district met in the Council Chambers to present Air Gowge Stephenson, manager of the Bank o\ New Zealand, wiio, alter U years' residence, is being transferred to Dunedin, with a token of their regard Mid esteem. The presentation, which consisted of a v»lutide gold reneater watch, locket, and handsome travelling case, was made by Air James Littlo, Mayor of the borough, whom, in ft wcilworded speech, sdlndcd to tho great loss tho community mishitted through Mr Stephenson's departure. Mr Robert Alexander Farquharson, tho Rhodes scholar from Xew Zealand for ISB6, lias been honoured in many way since it was i'.nnonnrml tliat. this great distinction had hern conferred upon him. He has b?en received with acclamation by bis University confreres and with jubilation by his football males, and on Wednesday a presentation was made to him on behalf not only of the public of Dunedin but. of other parts of the colony. A meeting of the substribers to the fund was hold in the Town Hall on Jtdv 25. when the presentation was •made by the .Mayor of Dunedin (Mr G. Lawrence) in tbe presence of a large of ladies and gonl>m'jn. including his Excellency the Governor (Lord Pl'unkct). A ehequo for 200 guineas was presented to Mr Farquharson. CASUALTIES AXD OFFENCES. An old-age pensioner named Esther Wilson, who resides in Scotland street, was found in her house on the sth in what is reported to be a starving condition. She lived by herself in a. small cottage, and as she- had not been seen about since Friday a neighbour became anxious about her, and not being able to gain admission to tho house appealed to a constable for assistance. Tho officer managed\» effect an entrance, and found the woman lying on tho floor with very little clothing on her. He lifted her up, and, placing her on (he bed, called in Dr tie Lautour, who, after examination, expressed tho opinion. that the woman ww .suffering from starvation and exposure, and ordered her removal to the Hospital. She was taken thore between 12 and 1 o'clock on Sunday, and is doing very well. Tho sum of 12s 9d was found in the house, locked mi in a lmx. An unfortunate mini met his death on ibo Roslyii Tramway Company's line shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, July 20. Just as the. last ear from the city had got over tho brow of the hill to make the descent into the Kaikorai Valley, the gripman noticed what appeared to he a, man lying on the line in front of the eaV. He at once applied tho brakes, but could not pull up the ear in time to prevent tho front, portion of tho dummy going' over (he man. By means of a jack the ear was at once raised, and the man pullod out. An examination showed that the man had been seriously mangled, and Dr Newlands was at once summoned, information given to the police, and tho ambulance sent for. Dr Newlands was quickly on the scene, hut found that life was extinct, and tho body was removed in the ambulance waggon to the City Morgue. The victim of the accident had either fallen down or laid down on the line, while making his way down to the Kaikorai Valley. There was nothing about the clothes by which identification could be established. Some money was found in the pockets, and this was taken possession of by (he police. The hodv was subsequently identified as that of Calvert, Sands who had been in the employ of Mr Arthur Ellis. Kaikorai, as a cloth-finisher. Sands was about 37 years of age. unmarried, and of intemperate habits. Sands was of a rather cheerful disposition, and there was nothing in his general demeanour to cause one to believe that he would be disposed to take his own life. At the inquest the jury returned a verdict to the effect--" That tho faid Calvert Sands died at Roslyn on the 20th dav of Julv. 1906, the cause of death being accidentnflv run over by a tromcar when under the influence of liquor, and that there is no blatno attachable to anvonc." A telegram on the 23rd from Mongonui states that a Maori who had been missing since Saturday night was found dead on Tuesday morning on tho beach at TWh. George Smith, labourer, aged 55, living alone, was found on Sunday night, Julv. 22, in a hut at Lime Hills with his throat cut, and it pruning-knife alongside him. It was evidently a ea.se of suicide. Charles Hind, aged 55, single, a storekeeper at Browns, near Winton, wa« found dead in bed by his partner. He had had no previous illness. The cause of death is supposed to have boon heart di=eaw. The body of James Wilson, drowned on the Karam'e* bar on the 24th in the boating accident thai occurred while survey soundings were being taken, was discovered on the beach a short distance north of the river entrance. The constable at Opotiki has telegraphed that a Maori named Hattraki was accidentally killed on Sunday afternoon. July 22, through a draw which he was driving, being capsized on the Waitoka Gorge road, about nine miles from Opotiki. Auckland. Arthur Mathieson. secretary of tho Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club._ and a well-known commission agent at Waverley, was accidentally shot at Whenukurua on Monday morning, July 23. He was getting through a fence when his gun went oft'. While working in a shingle pit at Wakanui on tho 23rd James Dwyer was killed through the sides of the pit caving in and a fall of debris burying him. A rescue party \.-as quickly at work, but although only a quarter <n an hour elapsed before the shingle was cleared away life wis extiaot when the man wa« disinterred.

F. ,T. Bidmeadc. 58 years of ago, a member of the Conciliation Board, representing the workers, was found i\rvj} m "tied at Christchnreh on Monday, July 25. He was for many years a compositor in the Lyttelton Times office, before the linotype was introduced. Deceased had been living by himself, and is supposed to have been dead for three days when found. At the inquest a verdict was returned that death was due to heart failu™;.

Alfred Archer, smjrlo. 20 years of jro, working in this Iron Bridge section of the Westport Coai Company's Denniston Colliery was killed by a fall of coal. It is believntl that he was pushing a truck before him, and that ibe truck fouled a prop, causing' part of the roof to fall in. On the precediiiß day Archer's brother had been injured in the same part of the Kline, aad he was unable to proceed to work on Friday, so Archer \i«s alone when tha assideqt hepponsd.

A man named .John Tuke was accidentally killed while working in a gravel pis at Turakina, near Wanganui,'on Wednesday afternoon. August 1. Hubert Vincent.- a settlor at Taiarariki. who bad been''ailing for some time pa't. (.•unlimited suicide by hanging. Tho deceased win nil Auckland cottier of high standing. John Lindsay, 13 mourns old. son, of a farmer residing at Flag Swamp, was ?.ecidenlallv drowned on' Monday afternoon, Avgu-r' 6. in a.'eiool: on.bis father's land.

A body in fi decomposed stale, supposed to be thiit of Harry Skeef, lireman on the Moura, drowned oil the Slh of last month, was found in 'iho"llullcr' Hirer on Monday.

Michael Smilh. married. 32 years of age, employed by l'owaier and Bryan, was kille.!' at. Cape' Poulw'ind'on Wednesday, August 1, tluotigh. ail, accident, wnile gingThe body of William.. Thomas Duller, farmer, who set out in a dingey from Auckland to an Hand several miles away on .lull- 0. was found on the llowick Beach on "Sunday. July ii

Edward Lufcey Aldridgf, aged 90 years, was kicked by a'hprso on the 24th at Christchurch, and was taken to the hospital on the 28lh nil. He died soon after admission. At the inquest a. verdict of. accidental death was mirjrned.

Mr J. K. Clement, a well-known solicitor, of Waimato, dropped dead oft' Jjis bicycle at 6 o'clock p'.nj. on Thursday, Aug-ist 2. 113 had been out riding in the aflern.i.'Ki, and was. returning home, riding easily, when lie foil olf his bicycle.

During tho Karnngahake v. Waihi football match on Saturday, 4th. Richard Power, son of Iho ex-proprietor of the Central Hotel, was accidentally kicked in the pit of the stomach by one of the opposing team. He died early next morning from tho effects.

Andrew Gilmore, single, 13 years of age, committed suicide by cutting his throat at Timarii on the. Bth iiist. Tho deceased was a casual labourer, and -had bocn drinking lately At the inmtcst the jury returned a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane.

Ernost Hugh Coplcatone, a young man, a tinsmith, shot .himself on Friday morning, August 3, at his residence, Sydenham. His brother found him dead in ibe garden. Ho had been in bad health, and was in tho doctor's hands for some time, sufering from melancholia.

Charles Clayton was admitted to the Waikato Hospital on the 7th inst. suffering from an accident winch occurred on tho Main Trunk railway works. _ A loaded truck ran over his left leg, causing a. compound fracture. Grave fears are entertained regarding his recovery. Julias Doria was found at Tarua Creek, near Thames, on August 1 in a serious condition, suffering from exposure and gtWral illness. Ho was conveyed to Thames, but died at tho local hospital shortly after admission. Deceased had a most; "adventurous career, and is reported to have been at one lime worth scvenl thousands.

Mr W. G. Mouat. of Greymoulh, has received advice that Mr J. Cheync, of Duncdin, who left Groymoutii for the Goid Coast, under engagement- to tho Ashanteo Gold Drcdtring Company, some 12 months ago in company with Air P. Mouat, wan drowned in the Ashantee Kiver on June 25. His friends will learn with extreme regret of liis untimely end. Word has come to hand that a young lad, about 16 years of age, son ot Mr George Gaudin, sawmiller. Makarora. was accidentally drowned in the Wilkin River on Monday. 23rd. Deceased was rafting with his father at the time, and as the raft was approaching the Makarora River it got into an eddy and capsized. All efforts to recover the body have so far proved fruitless.

An elderly man named Thomas Lawlor, an ex-railway servant, who has lived for a year or two in the liaincliff district, died (says the Timaru Herald) from injuries received by a fall and subsequent exposure. "He was reluming homo on Saturday, and, musing the track, fell over a cliff" about 30ft high, and received such injuries that he was unable to move. And then the unfortunate man lay out two hard frosty nights and a day before he was found.

Charles .Tolni Savage, aged 31. was found dead in his lied at. a W : anganui boardinghouse at 7 a.m. on the Btli inst. He retired at 10.30 on Tuesday owning in his usual health and spirits. Hehsd been treated by a doctor recently for heart disease, and a certificate will be siren that death wa-s duo to thai cause. Deceased arrived from Homo 10 months ago, and'had no relatives in. the colony.

A fatality' happened nt Cromwell hist, week. Two brothers named Williamson, one agwl about 11 ami the other about seven years, wer? playing with a pea rifle. In some way unexplained the younger lad was shot, tho bullet going through the. right wrist, and then into the side, and lodging in the kidney. The father and mother wore away lit Iho time from tho house, and when the father reached the place the boy was sinking, and died before ihe doctor arrived. At the iwme.'t held at Waikottaili concerning tlv? death of John Lindsay, 18 months old, a verdict of "Accidental drowning" was relumed. It is supposed the child attempted to cross a plank, spanning a small stream, to meet its father, who was working a .short distance away, and fell into the creek, as the mother on missing the child went in search of it. and found it in the creek; An attempt was made to restore life, but without avail.

Peter Clark, a young mail-carrier, while riding on the ranges at the back of the Thames. . was thrown from his horse, jammed against a kauri tree, and fractured .his leg. The bone was protruding several inches. With marvellous fortitude lie secured his luu.se. remounted by resting his weight on the broken bleeding limb, ; rode to where help was available at a I mining camp, and was carried by_ relays ■ on an improvised streieher to the Thames, | where he now lies in hosnital. j Joseph William Webb, one of the i Devon's immigrants, who attempted to j commit suicide soon after his arrival here, j appeared Viofore. tho Police Court on Wednesday. August. 1. It was stated that, ho had a . wife and family in Kngland, and was not without friends in New Zealand, for there were persons in the court ready to look after him. Ho wjis accordingly discharged. Implying io the magistrate, Webb said that he came to New Zealand on his own motion, having been advised by friends that tlioru was plenty of work here for plasterers and bricklayers. These representations, he said, wore not made by official persons. George Hidgood was charged at, _f.ro.vmouth on tho 31st wit., cm rcmund._ with attempting to shoot, Kathleen Burke, with intent to commit murder. From the evidence given it anpeared that, accused TO in love with a girl named Jackson, who. however, broko oft' the engagement, -A short time thereafter the girl, in company with another young man. proceeded down the quay, and passed where, tho accused was working. Ho copied her. and used disgusting language. Later in tho day he proceeded to her home, and knocked at, tho door. Miss Burko camo to the door, anil he raised a revolver to her head. She pushed it away, screaming out. "I am not Daisy" (meaning Mis.s Jaokson). Other people camo to too rescue, and Bidgood deparied. Subsequently ho was arrested. After hearing, the evidence, the Magistrate committed tho accused for trial at Hokitiks. Bail was granted. On Saturday, tho oOtli nlr„ two men, Swiss farm hands, hud a dispute. One, . named John Rollins, was going to strike the other disputant, when Charles Schaieker, who had an axe handle in his hand, struck Rollins over the left ear. Rollins'staggered and fell. Ho was carried inlo a whare and died shortly afterwards. The quarrel look place near Kaponga. Sehaickor was arrested early on Sunday morning. He made no attempt to get awav. It does not appear to have been a drunken row, but there was somo dispute about, a girl. There were two witnesses to the "affair. At the mqnesi. the jury found that Carl Schickcr killed John Rollin. but added a rifler that Sollicker struck tho fatal blow in self-defence during a quarrel. -"J* 10 Eltham Macistrafe's Court on the 101 n Curl Sohirker was committed to tho Sunreme Court. Now Plymouth. . A boy named Samuel Skinner, aged nine years, "residing with his parents at Maori Hill, died in' the Hospital on July a. apparently from blood-poisoning. Ontneotn June he was playing, with other boys on the scaffolding of a new building, and felt off it. Ho was treated at home for a fortnight or so, when he was removed to the Hospital. A few days ago it, was deemed advisable to amputate one of bis limbs, but his condition did not, improve, and he died yesterday. At the inquest, Norman Robert Alderson, aged nine years,_ stated that deceased was playing with him ki d two other hoys in a house in course of erection at. Maorj Hill on the Bth of June last. When deceased was running along some joists on the ground floor of tho building he slipped and fell, and when witness and the others assisted him to rise he complained of severe p» m > and said he thought he. had broken his ribs. Deceased was not thrown down or pushed down by the other boys, and was by himself when the accident happened. Tho Pfcjirr'eoco took place after 5 o'clock, whoa

tho workmen had left, the building. A verdict was returned that death residted from misadventure, and was due to the causes stated by the medical wit-

tastes. r> A sail burning fatality occurred at. Vfaimate 011 Ihe afternoon of the4t.li. The three-year-old daughter of Mr Veiteh was playing with her brother, who is a little older than herself, and the lad. who had obtained a match from the servant girl, set fire io some paper which be had plaocl under the copper. Tho little girl was wearing a silk dress, which caught fire. arid she was quickly enveloped in flame?. Her brother tried to extinguish tho mimes, but was unsuccessful, and hie cries attracted the mother's attention. Mrs Veitch's hands w«ro severely burned while she was puitim; out the lire, and the little girl was so badly injured that she died on Monday ninrning. At the inquest, a verdict of

"Accidental death" was returned, and th-e. mother was commended f<jr the promptitude with which she put out '.lie fire.

Our Palinerstoii correspondent slates lhat 1111 piques; wa.« held '.in July ii at. Moir's Hotel, Duuback, before Mr C. 11. Clark, J.P., and a jury of six. of whom Mr Jas. Phillips was chosen foreman, on the body of David Kvans. uV. old-age pensioner, who was found drowned 011 the previous day in a waterhole among.-t the tailing! of Hie abandoned Inebdale dredging claim. The evidence showed that tho old man, who was extremely feeble and apparently in the last stages of senile decay, lived by himself in a hut in Shag Valley. The baker who supplied him with bread noticed that the box in which the bread was usually left had not been emptied, and investigations led to the discovery of the body. The deceased was in the habit of wandering about collecting firewood. The holo in which the body was found had steep, sloping sides, composed of loose shingle, which gave way at every step. The depth of water at the bottom was from sff to 6ft, Tho jury returned a verdict, lint the deceased was found drowned, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how he got into tlio water. MISCELLANEOUS. The Wellington Post states that the committee consisting of heads of departments which was appointed by the Seddon Cabinet to draw up a civil service classification scheme is now put-ling the finishing touches to its report, and expects to be able to send it in to Ministers during the course of a few days.

The cases of zymotic diseases reported ta the District Health Office during the month of July number 24, the country contributing 20 and tho town four, Included in these are 10 cases of scarlet fever, seven of tuberculosis, and one of enteric. In addition to the above, there have also been reported 13 cases of measles, the town supplying 11 and the country two.

The births, deaths, and marriages for the Duncdin district for the past month show a slight increase over those of the corresponding month last year. In July of 1905 tho figures were: Births 122, deaths 66 and marriages 41. Last month they were: Births 130, deaths 82, and marriages 44.

The new cable [or the Maryhill extension of Mornington municipal tramways arrived by tho Wimmera from Melbourne on Wednesday morning, and was token out of the hold in the afternoon and removed on a lorry, with 10-horse team, to Mornington by way of Stafford street. The cable is some 6000 ft in length.

Tho railway returns for the four weeks ended Juno 23 show that 2407 miles of Government, railways were open in the colony, and that the revenue therefrom was £189,071, while the expenditure was £125,812. The South Island had a mikaga of 1464, which produced £110.314 in revenue, the expenditure being £74,097; and in tho North Islatid 943 miles were open for traffic, £78,757 representing the revenue and £51.714 the expenditure.

At a public meeting, held at Chi'islohureh on the 7th inst. for the purpose of considering the question of the totalisitor, resolutions wero carried urging Parliament to repeal any act making the. use of the totalieator lawful, pledging the mcelinglto support a petition to Parliament for its abolition, and urging ministers of all denominations to use their utmost influence against it. It was decided to forward the resolutions to the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament,, to the. Premier, end to the members of Parliament, in the Canterbury district. At the annual mooting of tho Roxburgh branch of the Lawrence-Roxburgh Kailway Leaguo on the Ist. inst there was a good attendance of members. A resolution was passed requesting the member for the district to nsk that a vote of at lea-st £50,0C0 be placed on this year's Estimates for the construction of the railway. Tho leaguo is not satisfied with the progress of operations, and the Minister of Public Works is to be asked to push the work on more vigorously.

At the monthly meeting of the New Cathedral Board, .held last week, it was reported that subscriptions towards the £20,000 required to meet the IJarrop bequest exceeded £8000. The Primate, writing from London, stated that he was about to prooure plans for the proposed cathedral, which pians would ho sent out to New Zealand for approval. The police authorities have warned publicans that the game of "devil's pool' is an unlawful game. In the light of this intimation it would.he well for those interested to remember I hut section 44 of "The Licensing Act, 1904," provides that every licei.see who permits or connives at gambling or the playing of any unlawful game on his licensed premises is liable ion fine not exceeding .-610.

The work of the Scenic Preservation Commission (which was dissolved recently) is still -being carried on by the Government. Lovers of tho picturesque will be pleased to learn that the authorities have since secured additional lsrgo areas of Mount Cargill and Sigr.al Hill, as well as beautiful tracts of bush in tho Lcith Valley, which will be set aside as scenic resorts. Negotiations are at present in progress for tho acquirement of other desirable spots, including Nichol's Creek and a right-of-way leading thereto.

A meeting of the Olago Land Purchase Board was hold on Friday and Saturday, 3rd and 4th hist. We understand that during tho sitting the question of the purchase of Otokaiko Estate was again considered, and that the matter was referred to the Government for further consideration. The question of acquiring the Mount Royal and Jleaduwbank Instates was also considered, and wo understand that an official inspection of those two properties-will shortly be made by the members of the lward. The Southland Laud Purchase Board also met, and considered a proposal for the ptirchaso of three estates in Southland—one town nid two country.

A remarkable, discovery of a frog sealed in a bloc!;; of Milestone was made at Auckland by workmen who hud occasion to shape an irregular piece of metal. One blow of tho hammer split off a long slab, and liberated a frog, which sprang from a small cavity, from which it could not possibly have been released without outside interference, hut in which it had evidently been supplied wilh air and light. lis colour was normal, and the eyes apparently efficient. The frog was handed over to the museum. It is presumed that the frog readied the cavity in the stone as spawn, and grew too big to le.ave by way of honeycomb holes.

The Mines Department expects to be advised shortly that the three diamond drills which it has ordered from a Homo firm have been placed on shipboard. Tho largest drill will be ablo to bore to a depth of 2500 ft, and tho others will drill bores of 1750 ft and 1500 ft, The intention of tho department, is to allow tho drills to bo used by responsible partr-es in any part of the colony for the purpose of testing mineral belts, and regulations in that connection aro about to bo drawn up. A reasonable chargo will bo made for tho use of the machines. Tho drill imported by the Government somo years ago is at present at the State coal mine, near Grcyrnouth. All the drills will bo driven by steam. In the course of his reply to the welcome tendered to him on arrival in Wellington, Sir Joseph Wajd said lie *wri hi? patty.

haxl enjoyed a comfortable railway journey from Nesv Plymouth, which was refreshing after their experience in England and America. Tho crowd (says tho Post) smiled incredulously, but the. Minister tried to assure them that he spoke feelingly. Just about 22 days previously they had 1 ravelled in America on an express train over a distance of 960 miles covered in 16 hours. At. 0110 time, as though the Americans desired fo recognise that they had a Minister of Hailways on board, the train travelled at tlio iorriiio rate of 93 miles an hour for a considerable distahce. and at other limes the rate was 85 miles an hour, " and I must say it made me think of how my life insurance policy was standing." But, with it all, sititl the Minister, our railways were better, our cars were betler looking, and our employees wore better ircatwl than on the American railways. '

The next, session of ibe Auslralasiau Association for the Advancement of Science is to bo held in Adelaide, beginiug on January 7, 1907. In connection therewith arrangements have been made with Ibe various sieamship companies for reductions in the fares to members, and also with Ibe railway authorities of the various Australasian States. In connection with steamer fares New Zealand suiters another injustice. The companies trading in Australian waters have made a reduction of 15 per cent, on ordinary rates, but- members proceeding from New Zealand receive a reduction of only 10 per cent. All the reductions are given on the condition that not less than 10 persons travel by one line.

A new company has been registered in Dunedin under the title of "The Assets and Financo Company (Limited)." The directors aro Messrs Thomas Whitelock Kempthorne, John Mitchell, Rolwrt Glendininp. Hyman Edward Hart, David Edward Theomin, James Harrison Jones, W. J. Croft, and Peter Barr, the latter gentleman to act as managing director. The capital of the company is £20,001), in 4000 shares of £5 each. The objecTs of the company as set forth in the memorandum of agreement are to purchase for investment or rc-sale, and to traffic in land, houses, and other property; to act as liquidator, supervisor, trustee, power of attorney, agent, or trade assignee. With such a strong directorate the now company should command public confidence. That there is room for it is evident to those

who know how property has been occasionally sacrificed when a little nursing was all that was required.

At the last meeting of the Hawea branch of the Upper Clntha Railway and Progreesivo League (says tho Cromwell Argus) reference was made lo the small number of' men employed on the Otago Central railway, according to the report of the Public Works Dcparimcnfc for the month of May, in comparison with the number employed on northern lines, and it was decided to send the following resolution to the Premier:—"That, with a view of securing the employment of a more equable proportion 01" workmen on the Otago Central railway, tho attention of the Premier be drawn to the fact that, according to the report of the Public Works Department for the mouth of May, there were only 117 men employed on that line, while on the railways on the West Coast, the Midland, and North Island Main Trunk, there were 3700 men employed; since then the number on tho Otago Central ha.s been further reduced, tho consequence being that owing to this dilatoriness in tho prosecution of the works it is becoming apparent that tho owning ot the lino lo Clyde will bo unnecessarily- delayed."

According to the Registrar-general's monthly return, the number of births dur. ing May in the four chief cities, with their suburban boroughs, was as follow:—Auckland, 132; Wellington. 160; Christehureh, 135; Diinedin, 126. The deaths during tho month, with the proportion per 1000 of population, were—Auckland, 61, 1.06; Wellington, 61, 0.97; Christehureh. 35. 0.72; Duncdin, 4-7, 0.34. The total births were 553 and the deaths 207—the former being 37 and the latter 39 above the number in tho previous month. Fifty-nine of the deaths, or 28.50 per cent., wore of children under fivo years of age, and of these 49 were under tho age of one. Seventeen deaths were duo to cancer, 11 to phthisis, and threo to other forms of tuliercular disease, In other classes of disease the mortality was normal. Thirieen deaths resulted from accident or negligence, and two from suicide—two of iho accident cases being from collisions with tramcars—one in Wellington and one in Dunedin.

During Hie forthcoming session of Parliament a bill is to ho introduced authorising the Otago Dock Trust to construct abattoirs adjacent to Tort Chalmers. At the present time local supplier aw obtained from tho abattoirs at Euniside. and should the Dock Trust decide to equip an establishment for slaughtering cattle near Port Chalmers tho local butchers and those in neighbouring boroughs would . possibly find it a. great convenience. As Homo vessels call at, tho Port at short intervals, tho trust would have facilities for shipping all the frozen produce available. Tho proposal is only in its initial stage at present, and beyond drafting tho authorisation bill nothing definite has been decided upon. Should Parliament sanction the proposal, the Dock Trust will be enabled to decide upon a, future course of action. Meanwhile the proposed extension of the Dock Trust's activities in this direction, and its proiiablo oft'oct on tho development of trade, is causing a good deal of interest at Port Chalmers.

Tho exports from New Zealand during the quarter ended June 30 amounted in value to £4,877,322, against £3,437,962 for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The exports from the principal ports were:-Lvttelton, £1,014,720; Wellington, £788,309; Auckland, £670,999; Timaru. £433,734; Dunedin. £437,249; Bluff, £331,772; Napier, £315.351.

At a verv early hour on Wednesday morning, the 6th, tire residence of Mr R. T. Wheeler, situated at Nowinglon, was completely destroyed by tire. Mr Wheeler's house was an unusually handsome and wellfinishod edifice, and was most completely furnished, and the value of the property destroyed is consequently something considerable. The insurances consist of £2150 on tho building iu. the South British, £550 on the furniture hr the same oftiee, and £300 on the furniture in the New Zealand office.

In connection with the New Zealand International Exhibition (he Government notifies that a gold medal and 60 guineas, a silver medal and 25 guineas, and a bronze modal and 10 guineas will be awarded by the Mines Department for essays on the present condition and future prospects of the mineral resources o[ New Zealand, and the best, means of fostering their development. In judging the merits of the essays preference will be given to those which arc of a practical character.

Referring to tlio reported case of leprosy at: Waikuremoana, Dr Pomare, Native Health Officer, thinks it. may be only a false alarm. "Wo know absolutely nothinpr about, it so far," lie said. "The only topers, to our .knowledge, are three, who are. isolated as fnr as possible. One of them is at Wanganui. and the others are further north. They have been removed from their family circles, and persons have been appointed to look after them. It is understood, however, that the isolation is not complete, but that it is intended by the Government to have these subjects quarantined close enough to meet all criticism."

A 10-milo section of tho Midland railway, from Montipoko to Tadmor, was unofficially opened on August 6, some 500 persons proceeding from Nelson to Tadmor, which is 3t miles- distani. local .members of Parliament, of the County Council, Inland Communication League, and Chainher of Commerce were among thoso present. Aftur lunch a number of speeches were delivered. The fertility of tho country, the prospect of a considerable timber trade, and of mineral traffic were alluded to, and the desirability from a, colonial point of viow of expeditiously extending tho line as far as would enable the journey from JMeou to Greymouth to be completed in one day waß urßcd. Building prospects in Asbbnrton for the futuro are-bright. About £8000 of contracts for public buildings are in sight, apart from private buildings, such as residences and business premises. Tenders m tei n 2 ciUfid for a mjv P.rsibitsdaß

Church at sn estimated cost of £2500. The Anglican parishioners propose to complete their church building at a cost of £1200. The Salvation Army has decided to erect new barracks to cost £1500. The Racing Club intends to complete the grand stand, on which it will spend £1250. The Borough Council Ikk approved of the plans for the pavilion in the Domain, fur which the ratepayers sanctioned a loan of £1000. Additions are also to be made to the hospital. ' Sir Joseph Ward has accepted with regret. Mr Robert Allan's resignation as one of Ihe Executive Commissioners for the International Exhibition. Mr Allan's grounds for resignation are illhealth and the worry and friction connected with the position. Sir Joseph says nothing has been decided with regard to the appointment of a successor, as he wishes to look into the matter. At the quarterls'nicotine; of the Canterbury Industrial Association a nun ion was adopted regretting the resignation of l!r Kolvrt Allan as Executive Commissioner of the New Zealand Internal iunal Exhibition on account of ill-health, and oxnieising a hope that arrangements miglU yet be made in the interests of the Exhibition to retain his services as Executive Commissioner.

The public subscription for tho purchase of tho late Judge* Fonton's Maori patnka, or storehouse for food, Auckland, and for the erection of a largo Maori house at the. Museum now exceeds £500. Mr Fenton's patuka was tleposited in the Museum many years before his death. lie bequeathed it to his daughter, who still left, it in tho Museum. The Government recently offered her £200 for it. intending to plaeo it in the Maori Museum at. Wellington. The owner instructed tho curator of tho Museum to give the council a month to complete the purchase on behalf of Auckland. The employment of Government money to pillage the Auckland collection caused great indignation. A deputation of members wailed on the Hon. W. IlallJonc.s, who later promised a, subsidy of £100 if Auckland raised £100 to secure tho patuka, for this city. This has noy been done. The remainder of tho subscriptions will be applied to the erection of a Maori house purchased by tho Auckland Institute long ago. Judgo Fcnton only owned the palnka.

The Government intends to place tlio gunboat Sparrow in commission shortly. The Minister of Defence (tho Hon. A. Pitt) said that it was proposed to provide accommodation for between" 60 and 80 boys of pood character, and applications for enrolment would be invited shortly. The ages of the successful applicants would range from 12 to 14 years. Room might be found for some youngsters from the Industrial Schools, but no ono would bo taken from those institutions who had a criminal taint. The Minister was emphatic on that point. The young crew would bo lool<od after, and every care taken to ensuro that thny received a training which would fit them to become good seamen either in the royal navy or in the mercantile -marine. Each boy would havo a serviceable uniform, and would bo taught sonic Irade, in addition to which the authorities would see that provision was made for the completion of his ordinary education. The Minister added that when the summer set in and the boys had received a certain amount of training, tho gunboat, which is to be rcchristened the Richard John Seddon, would be sent away on eorao short cruises. Tho vessel undergoes an overhaul before being placed in commission.

There soems little, hope for the safety of tlio scow; Haeremai, which left Auckland on. May 17 for Wellington. The Government steamer Tutanckai returned to Wellington fin Friday, after'steaming as far northward as the Kermadees'. and covering altogether 3000 miles in a futile search for tho missing- scow. Heavy westerly to south-westerly galea were encountered on the cruise. Captain Post reports that he visited Sunday Island, and found I lie Reil family all well. One of tho Hell family reported that a very large tire was visible at sea during the latter part, of April, and was too high to resemble a whaler "trying-out." Macauley and Curtis Islands were examined, but tho weather was too sevcro to permit of landing. No signs of life or wreckage wero visible. After leaving Auckland, Mayor Island and White Island, both in the Kay of Plenty, were examined, but without, any eluo being discovered as to the fate of the scow. Very little steam was being emitted from the crater on Curtis Island, but the crater on White Island was pouring out huge volumes of steam. A very heavy, confused sea was encountered on Wednesday night off East Cape, but lil.tlo or no wind..

At 6.40 a.m. 'on Saturday, ' July 28, a sensation was caused at tho junction of Trafalgar and Hardy streets, Ni'lson, by a terrific gas explosion, which was heard over half the town. It appears that two corporation men—Kenning (the foreman) and Vercoe (a labourer) --were in the vicinity of Svmon's memorial fountain, which bore a cluster of four or five gas lamps. A smell was noticed, on which one of the men struck a match, and immediately an explosion occurred, blowing the pillar of the fountain in the air, and shattering the ironwork and glass, which scattered in all directions. Vercoe. who was nearest the perforations of tlio trough communicating with the gas outlet, was thrown violently to the ground somo distance away, with' his head severely cut and other injuries. He was removed to tho hospital in an unconscious and critical condition. Kenning was also thrown, and bruised and cut, about the face and hands, but not seriously. The force of tho explosion may be. gauged by the fact that a pioco of debris burst, through the Masonic Hotel parlour window, breaking it; As soon as a match wits lii the escape of gas caught alight, with the result stated. }liid the accident occurred at night, when crowds are in the street, the elfects would have been much more serious.

Speaking at tho strangers' tea in connection with ihe Y.M.C.A. in Dunedfn, Mr .\ F. Arnold, M.H.R., touched upon the quest ion of gambling, and incidentally referred to the action cf the Govc-rnnioiit in notifying various bookmakers of the discontinuance of telephone connection with their premises after this mouth. As showing the necessity for Christians taking an active part in politics. Mr Arnold said they would all recognise that one of the chief evils sapping the vitality of the community at t.be present time was that, of gambling. In his opinion it was rioing move harm than drink, and at least 75 \xtt cent, of it was caused by the fact that, the totalisator wis recognised by the Government, which was deriving a very considerable revenue from it. To his mind, the cutting olf of the telephone from certain (iflicc* was simply playing at reform. Indeed, he thought the. only object tho Government could have was to try to make the community believe that it was striving to do something, whereas it wits the cause, by not abolishing tho totalisator, of the continuance of tho evil in its present, form. Neither was its action fair, inasmuch as a number oftbese supposed law-breakers were following recognised commercial callings. It might a* well cut off the telephone from * home because it was stwpectcd that, sly grogscllittg was taking place in it. or from a faclory because it had reason to lielieve that the Factory Act w'ns being broken. In either case it. was entirely a case of supposition, and not the correct way of dealing with so great an evil. If the totalisator were abolished the business of (lie bookmaker might increase upon the racecourse, but betting would diminish by at least 75 per cent, at the street corners and in offices, shops, and factories, and especially among young men who, knowing nothing al>out horse-racing and caring less, and having little experience, fell into the hands not of tho professional bookmaker, but of any unscrupulous amateur who might be willing tx> give totalisator odds.