LOCAL & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2078, 21 December 1893, Page 26

LOCAL & GENERAL.

A civil case, F. W. Mackenzie v. J. R. Mackenzie, was heard by his Honor Mr Justice Williams at the Supreme Court on Thursday. The object of the suit was to obtain his Honor's decision on certain questions arising out of the will of the late Captain Mackenzie. Dr Fitchetb appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Hosking for the defendant. The case did not possess any features of interest to the general public, and it resulted in a decree being made to the effeGt that Captain Mackenzie was, on the 22nd of July 1870, a trustee for his son F. W f Mackenzie to the amount of £2400. All the* other questions were reserved.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphs :—: — " The report presented at the meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union re Bible-reading in public schools shows how great an interest the Auckland clergy have taken in the subject. From thi3 ifc appears that classes for Scripture-reading have been kept up by the union in two cf the schools (Ponsonby and Mount Eden) for seven years, being held after school hours — the school committees giving every facility in their power. The superintendent, it seems, had written to the clergy aud to the Auckland Ministers' Association asking their co-operation in maintaining these classes in all the city public schools, but, with the exception of several visits to the Ponsonby public school by the Revs. T. F. Robertson, J. Blaikie, and Johnson, nothing came of the appeal."

The railway revenue for the North Island for the four weeks ending 11th December was £30,301, and the expenditure £19,429. The revenue for the South Island for the same period was £49,755 (making a total for the colony of £80,056), and the expenditure £34,697 (making a total of £54,126). The percentage of revenue to expenditure was 65*91. The revenue from the Hurunui-Bluff line was £44,912, and the expenditure £31,049.

The members of the Port Chalmers Congregational Church welcomed by a social tea meeting on the evening of the 13tb the return from a tour of the world of Mr John Morgan, one of the deacons. After the good things provided by the ladies had been disposed of, the Rev. D. K. Fisher took the chair and congratulated Mr Morgan on being once more among them. Mr Morgan gave a brief account of his tour, and in an interesting manner described the many places of interest and places of worship which he had visited, concluding by expressing his pleasure at being again among them. Mr Neale gave a brief address on the financial position of the church, and Mr G. S. Yeoman on the Christian Endeavour movement, while Mrs Fisher read a paper on the picture of Sir Noel Patton, •• Temptation." The church choir rendered several anthems, the Misses Kae gave a violin duet, and Mr Bauchop sang " The old sexton." The meeting concluded with the benediction

An adjourned meeting of the Temperarce Political Committee was held in Milton Hall on Saturday evening, at which, after fully discussing the question of contesting the approaching licensing committee election and the local option poll, the following resolution was unanimously carried :—": — " This committee ia strongly of opinion that the coming licensing and local option election should be zealously contested by the Temperance party." Steps were consequently taken to prepare for the event;. All the temperance societies in the licensing district are to ba asked to combine to make a strenuous effort to test the possibility of working the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act.

A Wellington telegram says that owing to the pressure of work in the drafting of bills the Government have decided to appoint an extia parliamentary draughtsman, and are advertising for applicants at £750 per annum. This is £250 more than the present officer receives.

The Dunedin Columbarian Society flew a pigeon race from Waitaki North on Saturday afcernoon, all the birds coming homo in <.ood time, considering the cloudiness of the weather. P. Howrth's Blue Bell, and S. Howrth's Dude tied for first place — the velocity cf each being 1138 yds per minute. W. Foote's Taiaroa came next with a velocity of 1134 yds.

Mr T. K. Weldon, the local inspector under the Factories Act, has received intimation that his services will not be required after tho 31st of March next by the Government. The only reason afforded by Mr Tregear, head of the department, is that " administrative changes make this step necessary," the intimation conveying this decision thanking Mr Weldon for " the courteous and conscientious manner in which he has served the department."

The Government (says the Lyttelton Times) have determined to appoint two lady inspectors of lunatic asylums, who must, undor the act, have the powers of justices of the peace.

Mr John Robinson, the blind collector for the Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Auckland, is at present in Dunedin appealing for funds for the support of the institute and to complete th.3 building. We learn that there are now about 30 biiud inmates, several of whom are aduita, who are all receiving such tuition aq will enable them to do something for their living. From tho anuual report it appears that in January last 3 1 pupils were learning the piano, five the violiu, and five could readily use the typewriter. 7'iie funale pupils a.'Q trained to domestic work and can cook, wash, mangle, and iron, sweep or scrub out a room, wn.sb.-np, and clean things in a way that would astonish many a seeing persou. Besides the usual course of sewing, knitting, mending, &c, one. of

them has acquired the use of the sewing machine, and all take great interest in learning everything which will be useful to them. Some of the male pupils are also taught to do domestic work, and others receive technical education. Mr Robinson's mission strongly appeals to the philanthropic.

According to the Lyttelton Times, the Government have granted £500 towards the cost of erecting the nurses 1 home at the Christchurch Hospital.

The Taieri Advocate states that when Mr Carncross was in Wellington last week the Defence Minister informed him that he intended abolishing the regulation which necessitates a two-thirds muster of a volunteer company before a parade was allowed to count for capitation.

At a meeting of Mr Scobie Mackenzie's supporters, held at Naseby, it was decided to recognise the late member's services in some way to be decided on later, limiting the subscriptions to £1 Ib. The Chronicle states that it was decided, as past services were to be recognised, it would be preferable to canvass the old Mount Ida district.

At St. Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday evening the Rev. Father Murphy occupied the pulpit, and after an eloquent sermon referred to the very weak state oi: their beloved bishop's health, and requested the congregation, while preparing for the due celebration of Christinas, to remember him daily in [their prayers. Before the recitation of the rosary the Rev. Father Lynch announced that in a communication just received from Cardinal Lec'uchowski, Prelect of the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda, his Eminence conveys to Bishop Moran the sympathy and special blessing of Pope Leo XIII. His Holiness, grieved at hearing of the serious illness of the pastor cf the Diocese of Dunedin, earnestly beseeches Almighty God to soon restore the sick bishop to his wonted health and strength, and graciously imparts the Apostolic Benediction.

We are informed by the secretary of the Caledonian Society (Mr John Clegg) that the running and walking entries, which closed on Saturday evening, are 45 in excess of last jear, the total bsing 301, whilst those of last year also showed a considerable increase over the previous year. This speaks well for the popularity of the Caledonian sports. The society's efforts to encourage healthy and legitimate competition have been so far rewarded that over sofper cent, of the competitors took prizes at the last annual gathering.

We are informed by the Hon. Mr Ward that the position from which Dr Lemon retires as superintendent of the telegraph branch of the public service has been conferred upon Mr J. K. Logan, at present inspector of telegraphs, Dunedin, who will take charge of the telegraph, telephone, and construction branches throughout the colony. Mr Logan's many friends in Otago will be glad to learn of his promotion. He is one of the oldest inspectors in the service : there is one other gentleman, we believe, who can claim to have served two days more. His obliging and courteous disposition has gained him the goodwill and esteem of the public as well as of those who have served under him.

The number of voters on the Dunedin City roll i 3 16,936, but from this has to be deducted 218 names transferred or prohibited from voting, leaving available 16,718. The number of persons who voted at the general electkn was 12,877, so that 3841 persons whose names are on the roll did not record their vote, and, presumably, will have their names struck off . The number of votes recorded for Mr Pinkerton, who was at the head of the poll, was 6771, so that he received over 330 more than half the number of votes recorded. Mr Earnshaw received 6066 votes, andso falls Bhort of one-half by 372 ; while Mr Hutchison, with 5771, fell short of one-half the number of votes recorded by 667. An analysis of the figures shows that a considerable percentage of those who recorded their votes did not leave three names on the ballot paper, but definite information on that point cannot, of course, be ascertained. The nnmber of names on the Caversham roll is 3575, but from this has to be deducted 78 transfers, &c, leaving an available vote of 34-97. The number of votes recorded was 2631, and the number who did not vote 866.

The close season for seals, we learn from Mr Chamberlain, collector of customs, will be extended till the 30th June next.

A Tapanui correspondent writes :—": — " In the matter of" Perry v. Ward's farmers' Association, Mr Hawkins has delivered a carefully considered judgment. After a review of the principal decisions as to customs, both local and general, he said he came to the conclusion that if there was a local Invercargill custom to deduct for draft on oats it was of no avail in the face of a written contract with an outsider. He did not decide there was no such custom in Invercargill, but was doubtful about it, and considered that the company should have supported it by better evidence if it existed." - The annual exhibition of the Dunedin School of Art was opened on Friday morning. The works of the pupils form an unusually large collection, and in point of merit they excel as a whole those shown ia previous years by the school. The exhibition will be open till about the middle of this week.

Mr P. Haye°, of Auckland, has been appointed commercial accountant in the Land arid Income Tax department at a salary of £350. There were a large number of applicants tor the position.

The Gore Standard states that a petition is in course of circulation in the Fortrose district prajing that the Government will take the necessary steps to purchase the well-known Ocean View estate, of 3200 acres, for small farm purposes.

Oq Thursday evening the teachers and scholars of the Moray place Congregational Church tendered a hearty welcome to their superintendent (Mr William Coull), who has just returned from a trip to the old country. The proceedings took the form of an industrial exhibition and flower show. The articles exhibited were made by the scholars, and the flowers and plants grown by them also. The hall of the church was crowded with scholars and friends. During the evening a piece in verse was reoited by Miss F. Clifford, expressing the pleasure and gratification of the scholars at seeing Mr Coull and his wife back again, and hoping that they might long be spared to go in and out amongst them. Orchestral items were contributed by an efficient band, and floral and choral displays under the conductorship of Miss Sears were rendered during the evening. Nearly all the exhibits were excellently made, and the plants were well grown. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to those who have me> ited them.

In the Supremo C. mt, Wellington, on Fnday Newton King, of New I'iyuiouth, brought an action agdiust the New Zealand Shipping Compauy, claiming £170 damages for loss ailtgcd to have been incurred through defendants shutting out from one of their steamers 253 kegs of butter, contrary to the contract arranged with plaintiff's

agent. Defendants admitted having offered Mr Scales space for 2500 kegs of butter in the Aorangi, but denied that the offer was accepted so as to constitute a binding contract, and further that the company were not aware Scales was plaintiff's agent. The company denied any responsibility ; also that there was any depreciation in quality by delay of shipment. During the afternoon it was mutually arranged that a verdict be entered up for plaintiff for £50, and £15 153 costs.

The Taieri Advocate learns that the cheap suit swindle is being worked in the district. A canvasser, representing himself as traveller for some well-known firm and armed with business cards and samples solicits an order for a suit of clothes at about one-half the ordinary cost, and his persuasive eloquence succeeding duly takes the measure of his victim and secures a deposit of £1 or so as a guarantee. To give time to work the district an unusual press of business is put forward for a longer delay than usual in delivering. The canvasser goes on to his next victim, but the customer never receives his suit of clothes.

A sad accident, which termiaated fatally, occurred at lloslyn about 7.30 on Monday evening. A youth named James Hughes, about 17 years of age, residing with his parents in Michie street, was playing with a horse in a paddock. The animal suddenly kicked out and struck the lad on the head, causing a fracture of the skull. He immediately lost consciousness, and remained in that state till he died, about an hour afterwards.

A return published by the Department of Agriculture shows the number of dairy produce factories in the various districts to be as follows : — Auckland 35, Taranaki 38, Hawke's Bay 9, Wellington 23, Nelson 1, Marlborough 2, Canterbury 20, Otago 24, Southland 17. The grand total for the colony is 169. made up as follows :—B2: — 82 dairy factories, 22 butter factories, 8 cheese factories, and 57 creameries.

The railway station at Greytown, Taieri, was burned down about noon on Monday.

News comes from the Hermitage of another attempted ascent of Mount Cook, which, like its predecessors, has ended in failure. The party — a Christchurch one headed by Mr G. E. Mannering — gained an altitude of 10,000 ft when one of their number knocked up, and they had to beat a retreat to the bivouac. The mountain, however, was in very bad condition, being simply raked with avalanches in its upper parts, while the ice of the higher glaciers was very much broken and crevassed, so that it was doubtful if in any case the summit could have been reached. It would seem as if the honour of making the first complete ascent of the mountain is not destined to fall to a New Zealand party, so many attempts having ended in failure.

A meeting of the Dunedin Prohibition League was held in the D.Y.W.C.A. Rooms on Monday night, and was well attended. °Mr A. S. Adams was in the chair. After considerable discussion it was resolved that the league should organise for the purpose of carrying a prohibition vote at the poll under the Alcoholic Liquor 3 Act in March next, and that all necessary action should be taken to administer the provisions of the act in the best interests of their reform.

The first congress under the reconstructed New Zealand Chess Association will be commenced at Dunedin on Boxing Day. All the affiliated clubs will be represented by delegates. The entries for the chess championship of the colony are : — Wellington — W. F. Barraud and A. Lelievre ; Wellington Working Men's Clvb — R. J. Barnes, J. Wood, and W. Brown ; Christchurch — H. Hookham and W. J. Wood ; Dunedin — R, A. Cleland, J. B. Borton, J.Mouat,J. Mellor; Ashursb— O K. Pleasants ; Nelson — F. H. Smith.

The following are gazetted superintendent collectors of agricultural statistics for Otago :—: — John Church — Waitaki, Waihemo, part Waikouifci (north of Waitati stream) ; Thomas R. Dodds— part Waikouaiti (south of Waitati stream), Peninsula, Taieri : Peter NelsonBruce, Tuapeka, Clutha ; William Russell — Southland, Wallace, Fiord, Stewart Island, and adjacent islands ; Michael John Staunton — Maniototo, Vincent, Lake.

The Defence Office have issued instructions that free passes by rail may be issued to all volunteers and mem bars of rifle clubs bona fide competitors at the forthcoming meeting of the Peninsula Sifle Association, to be held at Portubello on the 23rd and 26th inst., on the condition that they must in all cases travel in uniform.

Mr Thomas Bracken is at present on a visit to Dunedin, and will no doubt receive a hearty welcome from old friends. He has recently published "Lays and Lyrics," which may be said to be a cheap edition of some of his best efforts. It includes his latest poem, "God's Own Country," which should be in the possession of every patriotic New Zealander, and several others which are new. Of the 47 or so poems in his book, ifc is only necessary to mention such as "The Timaru Wrecks," "How Yon Tempsky Died," "Old Bendigo," "Not Understood," " Dunedin from the Bay," the Otago Caledonian Society's prize poem "Guallin a Chiel," and the spirited description of the fight at Orakau to show that Mr Bracken's latest volume is worth a good deal more than the price asked for it ; and being racy of the soil, it is one of the most suitable Christmas presents to place in the hands of New Zealand boys and girls.

After a visit to outlying localities, the Rev. A. G. Vi rke (aays the Wakatipu Mail) resigned his spiritual charge of the Wakatipu district after a residence of nearly three years, and left for pastures new last Friday.

At evensong at St. Peter's, Caversham, on Sunday evening a special sermon on the subject of mission work was preached by the Rev. W. A. Diggens, who explained that at a conference of the clergy, held in connection with the last session of the Diocesau Synod, he had been asked to take the matter in hand and endeavour to form a society for the purpose of carrying on missions by means of. local branches in each parish in the diocese. The preacher spoke of the great brotherhood of St. Andrew, which was carrying on such a great work of this kind in America, and explained his views as to how some such a brotherhood might be carried on in New Zealand. He also advised that a sisterhood should be formed, so that women could have an opportunity of working amongst the unfortunate ones or their own sex. After the service a meeting was held in the schoolroom of those willing to help in the work, but the number that remained was not very large. However, large organisations often spring from very small beginnings, and it is to be hoped that in this instance church people will not be backward, now that the matter has been set al'oot, in doing the work that has been so neglected in the past. Another meeting is to held at St. Peter's in a few weeks' time, and in the interim the people have been nsked to give the matter their earnest thought and their prayers.

In the case of the Police v. Kuott, which was beard on the Bth, his Worship delivered judgment,

defendant being convicied and fined 40s, and posts of court 9s ; witness 7s Sd. The Magistrate said :— "The act requires that the conviction shall be endorsed on the license, or I would not do so in this case." In the ease of the Police v. Bramner defendant was also convicted and fined 40s, with costs (7s).

We have to acknowledge receipt from Mess.i-3 Henderson Law and Co. of a tastefully-got-up calendar aud blotting pad and a card calendar issued by the Royal Insurance Company.

We have received from Mr Alexander Sligo, bookseller, a useful office calendar with bold figures ; and from the general manager of the National Insurance Company a card calendar, lithographed by the Caxton Company.