LOCAL & GENERAL,

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 15

LOCAL & GENERAL,

An unfortunate man named George Grey, who lost over £700 through the Larkin frauds in Melbourne, committed suicide last week at the Royal Oak Hotel, Cheltenham.

News brought by the steamer Airlie from China and the East to Sydney announces an appalling disaster at Ningpo last month, by which between 200 and 300 women aud children lost their lives. They were attending an annual theatrical performance in honour of the gods in the Zan Tsu Ching Temple in the settlement when the straw at the foot of the staircase leading to a two-storeyed building filled with women and children was set on fire by a boy throwing the end of a cigarette among it. The burning straw set the staircase on fire, preventing the egress of the people, and in the general rush to escape many people were trampled to death. Some jumped out of the windows or fell into the flames, while others passively awaited the fate which was not long in overtaking them, as the building burned like matchwood. Information has also been received of an earthquake of great severity, which devastated an area of 9000 equare miles in the Thibetan district of Kada. Seventy-four lamas or prieets and 137 Chinese and Thibetans were killed and a great number of people injured. The Dalai Lama's Grand Monastery of Hueiyuan, built in the seventeenth century, was demolished by the shock. Out of the ruins were dug nine pure gold images 6t Buddha and 100 brazen ones, presented by the Emperor Yung Ching to the temple.

In Otago and Southland last year there were 82 bankruptcies, 44 o? which took place at Dcmediu, 15 at Oamaru, 2 at Naseby, 3 at Lawrence, 4 at Queenstown, and 14 at Invercargill. In 7 of the Dunedin cases and 1 of the Oamaru cases the orders of discharge were suspended by the court. In Duuediu 9 orders of immediate discharge were granted by the court, in Invercargill tnere were 10, in Oamaru 9, in Queenstown 3, and in Lawrence 1. The following figures in connection with the 44 Dunedia cases will be of interest :— Assets (excluding amounts secured to creditors), £7366 10s sd; amounts secured to creditors, £16,006 5s 8d ; liabilities (excluding amounts secured to creditors), £19,775 0s 9d ; amount of assets realised by assignee, £3724 14s 3d ; amount of debts proved, £20,980 14s ; amount paid in dividends (excluding preferential and gecured claims), £3853 4s 7d; amount paid for preferential claims, £437 5s sd ; amount paid for secured claims, £19 17s 9d ; amount paid for Government commission, £122 Is 4d ; amount paid for costs of actions (if any), solicitors' and supervisors' fees, £516 17s 5d ; expenjes incurred in carrying on estates for the benefit; of creditors, £258 14s 4d ; other charges, £247 19s 8d ; balance in bank on Ist Jauuary 1893, £2613 14s Id ; on 31st December 1893. £882 7s lOd. In the total of 84 cabeb the principal ngv.rrs are : Assets, £12,712 14b 7d ; amounts secured to creditors, £22,503 lls 2d ; lin.bilit.ios, £32,329 3s Id ; amount of assets realised, £7021 3 a lOd ; amount paid. Js -WWd p .E. > 2'\ -CSIJJ £s ?J , ;lj.ci> fereutipl claiuiM, foT'V <i<- 2'l , (Jovernmcnfj COSQSiißbloa, £258 0s 9d ; expenses incurred m carrying ou estates For -.he b-n«nir uf creditors, *>f of as. xnere were o^ u^niw up'cies m^U'elliu&ton lastyear as against 48 in 1892. The liabilities r.mouut to £15,132 against £12,810. The dividends paid amounted to £2384 against £1869.

At tho regulation meeting of the Otago Hussars on Saturday night to elect a lieutenant for the country troop, Sergeant Price was without a dissentient vote selected to fill tho vacancy. The following were named a3 having labt year completed the qualification for efficiency badges: — Sergeant Stronach, Troopers Stewart and W. E. Palmer— nine years' silver star ; Corporal Morris, Troopers Fleming, Freeman, Hazlett, Henry, Hyams, Laing, Mitchell, and Sise — three years' star. The troop starts its year with an increased and enthusiastic roll of members, and a substantial credit balance. A competition in reconnaissance sketching has drawn a large number of entries, and promises good results. The Captain, in closing the meeting, said he expected shortly to see a large increase of members on the Taieri plaiu. The time taken up apart from annual training was small, the expense was now very much reduced, and in the event of trouble the farmers were really the people who would most benefit by having a numerous and efficient defence force.

Inquiry is made in Lloyd's Weekly for the following :— John Charles Cooper, sailed from London in September, 1891, for New Zealand ; hispoor mother can gain no tidings of him since March 1892. — Mrs Hivins (Betsy Griffis) went to New Zealand from Bristol about 30 years ago ; her eister Matilda is anxious for news. — George Jones, wrote from St. Louis, U.S.A., in ,1885, but is since supposed to have gone to Auckland ; brother Fred asks. — David Clements went to New Zealand about 12 or 14 years since ; brother Jacob would be glad to hear from him. — Mrs James Hawkes (nee Ellen Welsh), formerly employed in Whiteley's Westbourne Grove ; last wrote home in 1887 from Eltham, Taranaki ; siater Maggie asks. — John Henly, tailor, went to New Zealand some 20 years ago, and corresponded regularly until two years back ; he -was then living near Dunedin. His mother seeks him. — Alfred and Elizabeth Gellett are sought by their sister Caroline. Alfred, in July 1860, was with the 57th Regiment in New Zealand ; Elizabeth at Browuhill P. 0., Ballarat, in July 1858.— Thomas Poole left London 21 years ago for Canterbury, New Zealand, and has not been heard of since ; his brother (W. H. P.) asks. — James and Thomas Blackett are inquired for by sister Mary and brother Edward ; James sailed for New Zealand in the ship Marvel (Captain Baker) in 1849, and last wrote from Australia about 30 yesra back ; Thomas left England in 1865 to go to the Cape: — last heard of from Pretoria, South Africa, fighting as a volunteer under Sir Owen Lanyon.

The regular monthly meeting of tho Peninsula Road Board, held on Saturday, was attended by Messrs Stuart (chairman), Barmby, Fairbairn, M'Curdie, Mackay, and Murray. After considering the report on the Mount road, it was resolved to call for tenders for levelling and claying six chains of the road. The footpath from the cricket ground to the foot of the Manse road i3to be formed. The surfacemen are to remove the rocks overhanging Seal Point road. The dog tax was fixed at for one dog, and 2a 6d per dog for every other dog owned by the same owner. Accounts amounting to £92 Is 7d were passed for payment.

As the result of inquiries into the striking of names from the electoral rolls, we learn that the only names struck off are those cf persons who are not marked ag having voted at the labt general election, and those who have personally applied to be removed from the roll for registration elsewhere. It is, however, beyond doubt that the namea of a number of electors who voted in December last have been removed. The only way of accounting for this is that in some cases the rolls -were inaccurately marked, or the marking of voters omitted by the sub-returning officers or their assistants.

Reference to the officially marked rolls shows that a number of persons who are positive they voted have not had their names "ticked" on the official rolls, and the result is that they have been regarded as not having voted, and in accordance with the Electoral Act their names have been struck out. This is in all probability the whole explanation of what has taken place. At some booths a considerable number of mistakes seem to have occurred, and if a mistake was made on polling day of course it could not be rectified subsequently except by the voter again applying for registration, as is now being done in numerous cases. We understand there is no foundation for tho statement tbat the rolls will be closed at the end of the present week.

By a private letter received in Lyttelton it would appear (says the Press) that the Shaw, Sivill, and Albion Company's ship Soukar, which left Lyttelton for London last year, passed through an enormous quantity of ice on the trip Home. On March 10, when in lat. 52.17 S., long. 45.56 W., they sighted a smell iceberg to windward, and from that date till the 18th March they wero amongst the thickest drift ice ever known in those latitudes. Some of the bergs were from 10 to 12 miles long, were quite flat on the tor, and had perpendicular sides from 200 ft to 300 ft in height. Others that had turned over displayed very jagged peaks. Several of them turned over right alongside the vessel, and broke up with a report like thunder. At times the vessel's sides were rubbing against some of the bergs. The scenic effects of the setting sun on the bergs were most gorgeous, and on March 11 the mingling of the bright golden sunbeams with the icy blue of the bergs is said to have been beautiful beyond description. It required the utmost wariness and skill to navigate the vessel through such a dangerous field, and everybody on board was heartily glad when the ship had got clear of her undesirable neighbours.

Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, a member of the Otago Art Society, whose pictures of genre subjects have for some years past been so much admired, has decided to go to Europe for Iha purpose of obtaining that kind of instruction that it is impossible to get in the colonies. He purposes remaining there for two years, and it is his intention to send out paintings from time to time, bo tbat his friends and admirers here may have an opportunity of seeing his progress. With a view of raising fuuds for the purpose of his visit he has promoted an art union of pictures, and, in order to give him a good Bend-off, a number of the members of the Art Society, as well as many other artists residing in the colony, have each contributed a picture. It only remains that the good-natured assistance thus given should bs supplemented by the subscriptions to the art union of those to whom Mr O'Keeffe's work has given pleasure. The art union is under the management of Mr E. B. Hayward, who is acting as secretary to the movement T ; i v vrorks tht>m r i-"iv< » are on view at the Drew'Ui. M-Oregm 'Wight's, and in Princes street.

Another old identity hn; p.iwd away (says thu Wauprauni Herald), thi* 4 fc«'ji (k in the person ol M<.:->"". ai.-t. a yon ohTre&U't ':! \7? ])4. M.it'v •- tre Tiled \, itlj hauii,, boon ovci 1 " 100 yeiirs ol ajj 11 . Sho ih reni(_.m'j<,rea by old jdf-iii ities a- b-jmg ;. very 'vyrO yon). .) some .30 yearß ago, and four years since she buried a son in the person of the late Utiku Mohuia, who was over 70 years of age at his death. Mata settled at Putiki some 50 yearß ago, and was noted for her friendly feelings towards the pakehas, and her generosity. It was interesting and amusing to get the old lady to talk over old times, her dpscription of her first introduction to European food being especially laughable, particularly when she told of her first feed of soap.

A curious discovery was made on tho evening of the 7th by Mr P. M'Ardle, manager of the Grey Valley Coal Company. He was crossing tbe reclaimed ground near Messrs Pargood, Son, and Ewen's factory, when something halfcovered with earth attracted his attention. He picked the object up, and found it to be a human fkull. It bore the appearance of having been lying about for a considerable time. The presumption is that the skull was dredged out of the harbour and deposited where it was found when the reclamation works were going on. The matter has been placed in the hands of the police, but it is improbable that any clue to the mystery will ever be obtained.

Mr Beetham, R.M. at Christchurch, is apparently not conversant with slang, as when a witness in his evidence said there wero a lot of "toffs" at Opawa, the magistrate asked the meaning of the word "toffa." In the case in question a donkeyman was charged with exhibiting in his window at Sumner '• a provoking, insulting, and offensive writing," to wit :— •" Notice— Wanted, by a very respectable and fashionable family — who are about to take up their abode at Sumner for a short season to do the grand— two respectable young ladies to act between domeaticß and lady helps. They must be able to dance, sing, play, be free of speech, love company, and comply with seaside etiquette. They must also speak highly of the household, to convey the idea that their origin is of the first water. In return for such services the yourjg ladies will be allowed at certain times to receive and entertain youn^ men of good reputation with a view to matri mony, and pass as intimate and bosom friends of the family. — Apply to Mrs Flimsey, Sumner ; or Mother Lightband, Mount Cook ; or Madame Bruce, near Opawa. P.S. — The young ladies must find their own books, clothes, food, scents, umbrellas, &c." The accused was allowed to go on undertaking not to put up the notice again.

The Chicago Daily Globe, in advocating the election of an American as mayor to succeed Carter Harrison, notes that nine-tenths of all elective offices in Cook county are now held by naturalised citizens. It states that the sheriff was born in Canada ; the county treasurer, the president of the County Board, the president of the Drainage Board, the clerk of the Criminal Court, the county clerk, the city collector, tho city clerk, and the new postmaster were born in Germany; the clerk of the Appellate Court, the clerk of the Probate Court, the clerk of the Superior Court, the county coroner, and the city treasurer were born in Ireland ; the corporation counsel was born in Bohemia ; two-thirds of the City Council and all of the police force were born in Ireland ; and, by accident probably, the county recorder — ' ' the only one " — was born in Ameiica.

Several deputations waited upon Messrs Scott and Ronayne, the new Railway Commissioners, at Oamaru. The members of the Harbour Board (we learn from tho Mail) renewed their complaint concerning the cheap rates of carriage between Dunedin and Oamaru, which is supposed to have affected the board's revenue to the extent of £1400 a year. As tho rate from Oamaru to Dunedin had not been reduced, merchants and manufacturers at Oamaru were placed at a disadvantage. Mr Ronayne recognised the difficulty, as if ths rate from Dunedin to Oamaru was increased the Union Company would at once put on their steamers again, and the railway would suffer. With regard to the rate between Oamaru and

Dunedin, it seemed that an injustice was being done to Oamaru, and he thought the Oamaru merchants should be put in the same position as Dunedin merchants. He thought Lis colleagues would agree with him here. Another deputation was informed by Mr Ronayue that they had met with nothing but cries for concessions all down the line. If concedod, 10 per cent, or more of the railway revenue would have gone at one stroke. Friday evening's express from the south was delayed this side of Clinton owing to a slight break-down in the machinery of the engine. Its place was taken by another engine from Balclut.ha, and the train arrived in Duuediu about 35 minutes after the usual time. The two new Railway Commissioners, Messrs Rouayne and Scott, arrived in town by the northern express on Friday night. The human skull discovered on the reclaimed ground by Mr Peter M'Ardlo is pronounced to be that of a Maori. Probably it was brought to the spot amongst the sand from the Ocean Beach which was used in the rec'amation works. Inspector Pardy is of opinion that the skull is fully 100 years old. The only section of Crown lands disposed of at the Dunedin office last week was section 22, block V, Woodland, 262 alr 28p, selected by Nathaniel Rollinson on occupation with right of purchase at 19a per acre. The Railway department, as will be seen from our advertising columns, have been enabled to include Wanaka in their lake excursions for the remainder of this season. The concessions offered will bring this most beautiful lake more prominently before tourists, of whom a good number might yet fairly be expected to visit us. The drive by coach, or rather a comfortable waggonette, from Queeustown to Pembroke, Lake Wanaka, over the Crown Range, 16 interesting and picturesque. There is a really good road, and first-class hotel accommodation. The comfortable little steamer Theodore runs regularly on the lake to the various points of interest. There are three small islands in Lake Wanaka. Near the summit of one of these is a small lake covering 10 acres, and which is some 500 it above tho lake itself, and over 2000ffc above the level of the sea. Tho view from the summit of Manuka It-land, on the lake, well repays in itself all the toil, trouble, and time it takes to reach it. Taere is also Gleu Dhu B iy, presenting a magnificent view of the mow- clad Mount Aspiring,- and also East Wanaka, from which the source of the Clutha river may be seen. The climate is extremely dry and healthy. Being 1500 ft above the level of the sea, tbe air is beautifully clear, bracing, and invigorating. To anyone desiring a. complete change, a visit to Lake Wanaka can be recommended ; and now that the Railway department has included it in its tours it cannot fail to become soon a. very popular resort both of tourists and holiday-seekers. Full particulars as to fares will be found in our advertising columns of this issue.

Mr Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.R., has received a comui iiiication from tho Under-seerutary for Landb iutimatiug that £330 has been authorised for tho purpose of purchasing and making the road thrnui'h Mr Brown's propi^ty to the LTetqj^t ti^-'ik" With -r n £i:rd <*» n : mfc\ road to Cannibal Bay, the whole oi the amount available has already hue-n authorised for expenditure. Referring to a resolution passed at a meeting of settlers < - Vn ' "y should bo spent in making roads passable rather than in extending impassable roads, it is pointed out that most of the money voted for roads has to be borrowed on the security of Crown lands which are being prepared for settlement. The Government could not expend money so borrowed in making roada through lauds already disposed of and settled upon. The thirds which are returned to the local bodieß are intended for the construction and maintenance of such roads.

In the letter of the Minister for Agriculture re the allowance by the Government of the travelling expenses of delegates to the Agricultural Conference, read at the meeting of the committee of the A. and P. Association (says the Christchurch Press), there was a peculiar proviso. The Minister wrote iuforming the association that the amount would be granted provided no politics were discussed at the meecing of the conference. One of the members asked whether the discussion of the Bill for Removal cf Noxious Weeds would be considered discussing politics. " No," smartly retorted another member, " but the discussion of a bill to remove noxious Ministers would be."

At the half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Melbourne Tramway Company no profit and loss account statement was produced, but a statement was read showing a falling off. of £32,591 in thereceiptß for the six months ending December 31, 1893, as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, and a falling off of over 1,000,000 passengers, and a decrease of 141,751 miles run in the same period. The decrease in tho receipts was not so great as in 1892, when the figures showed a falling off of £55,278 as against the receipts of 1891. Economies to the amount of £23,000 had been made during the half-year, but in view of the still falling traffic no interim dividend was declared. The question of penny sections was again brought forward, but the chairman held out no hope of this concession being granted unless the municipalities guaranteed the company against loss.

The third annual flower show in connection with the Caversham Presbyterian Church Sunday School was opened on Friday night in the hall adjoining the church, there being a large attendance upon the occasion, despite the wet weather. The show was much superior to that of previous years, the competition being keener and the plants better grown. In addition to the exhibits of the children entered for competition a number of plants and flowers were sent in for exhibition only by their parents and friends. Mrs J. Barron showed a collection of pot plants and some nice plums, Mr W. Alexander a fuchsia plant, Mrs Speight a collection of very fine vegetables, Mr John Cuttle and Mrs Frye some apples and plums, Mrs Cherrie some spikes of gladioli, Mr John Sydey a couple of nice flowering begonias, Mr William Scoular a number of pot plants, and Mr George M'Laren a collection of native flowers and a number of very good spikes of gladioli. Mr Howden, of the firm of Howden and Moncrieff, acted as judge, and the show was opened by Mr A. Morrison, who congratulated the children and teachers of the Sunday school on the success of the affair, and also referred to the benefits to be dprived by the children by taking an interest in horticulture. During the evening a number of instrumental selections were contributed by an orche&tra composed of the following gentlemen -. — Messrs J. Briggs (leader), J. Donaldson, Wm. Bird, A. Briggs, and R. Anderson. Miss Fanny Scoular acted as accompaniste. The prize libt

Another of the old residents of Dunedin died on Saturday morning, when Mrs Wiikie, relict of the late Mr James Wilkie, passed away peacefully at her residence, Elm row, at the advanced age of 79 years, having survived her husband nearly 20 yearß. Mr and Mrs Wilkie left Perthshire for Otago in 1852, their son, the late Mr James Wilkie, being then about three

jears of ago. Mr Wilkie not being of a robust constitution retired from the business about 1862, and devoted a large share of his time to philanthropic and religious work, in which he was ably assisted by his wife, who continued the good work after his death in 1873. The death of her son, Mr James Wilkie, in 1391 was naturally a severe blow to his widowed mother, but to the last it may be said of her that she went about doing good. Tho inspector of police on Sunday received a telegram from Waikouaiti stating that Alice Townsend, 17 years of age (the daughter of Mr J. A, Townsend, farmer, of Waikouaiti), who left her home alone about 3 p.m. on Friday, was found drowned in a creek on her father's property about 915 a.m. on Saturday. The deceased was subject to fits. At the City Police Court on Friday Henry Burrows was charged with working a horse at Greytown whilst it was suffering with open sores. — Mr Sim appeared for the Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. — Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs. Although nothing was known of it in Auckland — at least nothing reported in the papers, — it appears the Waihora had a narrow escape on her last trip to Auckland. A special correspondent of the Melbourne Argue cabled on the 2nd inst. that about 6 a.m. the engines Btopped suddenly after a succession of heavy blows. Tho passengers running on deck found the steamer about a mile aud a-half from a rockbound lee shore looming through tho mist. A heavy beam sea and a rising wind both set straight towards the shore, and the Waihora, as soon as the way was off her, drove steadily towards the breakers. Captain Anderson sounded, and finding 30 fathoms, anchored in good holding ground. Some doubt was expressed as to whether the steamer could ride out in the gale in dangerous proximity to the lee coaßt, which proved to be that of Great Barrier Island, and to the anxious watchers the steamer appeared to be gradually nearing the breakers. After a couple of hours of suspense Chief - engineer Cunningham reported that temporary repairs had been effected to the shattß of the eccentric, which had broken, and tho Waihora went ahead slowly, steaming up to anchor. Having hove up the anchor, the captain stood out to sea, the vessel at first barely holding her own against the heavy bead weather. The captain then ran back 30 miles to Covier Island in order to verify his position, the fog being very thick. The Waihora reached Auckland under fore and aft canvas and slow steam at 5 p.m., seven hours behind the usual time from Gisborne. The passengers spoke highly of Captain Anderson's seamanship and Chief - engineer Cunningham's readiness of resource in effecting repairs at a time when every minute was of consequence. The Post says :—": — " It is an open secret that immediately Sir Robert Stout heard of the action of the Cabinet in regard to the Railway Commissioners he telegraphed to Messrs Maxwell and Hannay expressing his deep regret that officers who had served tho colony so faithfully and so well should have been so shauK-fi l ly treated, and driven irora the public service iti bucu a manner. On bruad constitutiptrej grounds Sir "Hubert Stout diaapi I'oweb " F thp railways being placed under the management of coinmissiouors, holding that they should be administered on Ministerial responsibility under direct parliamentary control , but he recognises to the fullest extent tuo ability and good service of the late commissioners, and dissents altogether from the course of conduct adopted by Ministers towards them in tho appointment of tho new board, as being unjust, calculated to shake confidence in the integrity of tbe public service, and embarrassing to the new Parliament in its consideration of the whole question of railway management in tho future. The circumstances surrounding the choice of tbe new commissioners are, in Sir Robert Stout's opinion, anything but creditable to Ministers, and when the House meets it will probably be found that this feeling will be very freely and pointedly expressed by many other candid friends of the Government as well as by Sir Robert Stout." As Mr Hodge has withdrawn his nomination, Messrs E. G. Allen, A. Moir, and W. Murray have been declared elected as representatives of Port Chalmers on the Otago Harbour Board. At the Police Court on Monday the bench was asked, in dealing with an application for a prohibition order, to direct the police to serve notice on brewers as well as publicans. Tho request was granted. An elderly settler at Motueka named W. Sixtus was drowned last week while crossing the Motueka river in a canoe. Early in the new year (writes tho London correspondent of the Argus) pressure is to be brought upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to grant some financial assistance towards the proposed naval exploring expedition to the Antarctic regions. In scientific circles, both in Britain and on the Continent, the renewal of Antarctic exploration is regarded with distinct favour, but it is thought that an expedition would require to spend probably three years in the frozen region. It is stated that two of Lieutenant Peary's companions on his first Greenland expedition — Dr F. A. Cook and Mr E. Astru'p, a Norwegian — have laid a proposal before the American Geographical Society for exploring the Autarctic at a cost of £10,000. This, of course, would mean a much less ambitious effort than Dr Johu Murray advocates. A correppondent sends us the following copy of a notice which is posted on Moloney's accommodation house at Strath - Taieri : — " Contributions are requested from waggoners and others for repairs to the main road between Taieri Lake station and Middlemarch. The road is almo3t impassable, several upsets having happened on it lately. - The coach proprietors have engaged a man to repair the dangerous parts, as the Taieri County Council have abandoned it or declined to effect any repairs. Contributions to be given to Mr Sutherland or Mr Moloney." Humphrey Pratt, a letter carrier at Hobart, aged only 20, but married and with one child, has been arrested for a breach of the Postal Act, and on his residence being searched nearly 1000 undelivered letters, circulars, and papers were found. Mention is made in many of the letters of remittances enclosed, but no money has been recovered. Pratt was receiving 27s per week. The postal authorities objected to his marriage, and advised him to wait for a better position, but he disregarded the advice. Pratb was much trusted, and though the department had received hundreds of complaints about the non-delivery of letters, he was never suspected. ROWLAND'S ODONTO.-This has been known or 60 years to be the best, purest, and most fragrant tooth powder. It whitens the teeth, prevents and arrests decay, strengthens the gutna, and gives a pleasing fragrance to the breath. Rowland's Macassar Oil preserves and beautifies the hair, and is the best brilliantinc for ladies' and children's hair, as it is not too greasy or too drying. Also sold in a golden colour. Ask any chemist or perfumer for Rowland's articles, of 20 Hatton Garden, London.

The Executive of the Otago Central Railway League at their weekly meeting on Monday had under consideration the progress of the work on tho section beyond Hyde. As information that had reached the league from the district tended to show that there was some likelihood of the promises made by the Government last session not being fulfilled, it was resolved to invite local M.H.R's. to meet the executive of the league next Monday for the purpose of discussing the matter, bo that any remedy necessary might be applied before the close of the financial year (31st March next). There is much grumbling in Buller County at the vehicle tax imposed under the act of last' session. The fees run from £12 per year for vehicles on four wheels drawn by six or more horses, to £2 per year for a vehicle on two wheels drawn by one horse. The license fee for boaajide settlers' traps is 5s per year. It has been decided to hold a volunteer encampment at Easter time, and Tahuna Park has been fixed as the base of operations. Besides the local volunteer force, it is understood that volunteer companies from Southland and Oamaru will also take part in the encamp* ment. On Monday the management of the Union Steam Ship Company very kindly placed their fiae steamer Flora at the disposal of the Benevolent Institution Trustees, for the purpose of affording the inmates of the institution a trip down the harbour. The vessel left tho Rattray street wharf at half-past 2, having on beard three of the trustees — Messrs Chisholm, Solomon, and Swan — and the inmates and officials of the institution. She reached the heads in good time and proceeded outside. On returning, afternoon tea was provided for those on board. When the wharf was reached at 5.30 p.m., three hearty cheers wore given for the company. The master of the Industrial School also received an invitation on behalf of the children, but was unfortunately unable to take advantage of the generous offer. Sister May, one of the Sisters of the Church, Kilburn, who is at present on a visit to Dunedin, gave an address in St. Matthew's Schoolroom on Monday night, explaining the work of the Church Extension Association. Bishop Nevill presided, and there was a large attendance. In her address Sister May referred to the means adopted by the association to relieve the distress of the poor in the East End of London, gave some account of the agencies at work with that object in view, narrated a great many pathetic incidents in connection with the work, and graphically described the heart-rending condition of the poor. Her remarks were listened to with a considerable amount of interest, and she was frequently applauded very heartily during the delivery of her address. In closing the retreat for women at St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Rev. Father Hilary mentioned that over 600 women attended the service each morning at 6 o'clock, while in the evenings |the church was crowded. The number who reviewed their baptismal vow was 1600. After an impressive ceremony the rev. gentlemau beotc ,vcd on those present the Pope's bleasiug. The cathedral was crowded oa Sunday c-t-uiug. whfi tho men's retreat was commenced, and on Monday morning about 500 attended at 6 o'clock. The services will bo continued during tho week, and are open to men only. On Thursday evening tho Rev. Father Hilary is announced to deliver v. discourse on "Temperance." One of the old landmarks at Waitati, in the shape of tho Presbyterian Church, is about to disappear. Owing to the increasing want 3of the congregation a new building is required, and plans have been prepared by Messrs Mason and Wales. The new church, which will be of wood, with concrete foundations, will be of simple design, and will teat 250 persons. We understand that Mr John W. Salmoud, M.A., LL.B., has just been elected a Fellow of University College, London. An election takes place only once in two year?, and only four Fellows are appointed. This distinction, for which there is considerable competition, has been conferred on Mr Salmond, not only as one of the most successful graduates of the London University, but mainly in recognition of the important contributions to literature he has given in his volumes, " Essays on Jurisprudence and Legal History," and the quite recent treatise on " Tho First Principles of Jurisprudence." There is at present exhibited in Messrs Wilkie and Co.'s window, Princes street, an Imperial chess board, which -is to be presented by Dr Stenhouse to Mr Ernest T. Grinsted, the winner of the Otago Chess Club's Handicap Tournament, finished on January 31 last. The board is an exceptionally handsome one, and was manufactured by the British Chess Company. The pieces are made of ebony and boxwood, with holly and walnut squares, while the frame and panels are ot mahogany. Altogether the prize is a very valuable one, and Mr Grinsted is to be congratulated on his success in carrying it off. It may be mentioned that Mr Arthur M 'Donald secured second place. The Eilbirnie School Committee and the Wellington Education Board have quarrelled about the appointment of a teacher, and the whole committee have resigned on the grounds that they can be of uo service to the district and do not wish to expose themselves to further discourtesy from the board. The committee, it appears, desired to appoint as head master a gentleman recently from Home with good qualifications and testimonial, while the board selected the master of a country school who holds a good certificate and has by several years' excellent work in the board's service proved himself to be an efficient teacher. Judging from the experience in Japan of Mr A. Milnes, of the Personal Rights Association (says the Melbourne Argus), Protection is practised in that country with a thoroughness that even Mr Trenwith might envy. " When I arrived," said Mr Milnes, "on the premises of the Naval College at Tokio I found there a fire engine. It was an admirable sample of Messrs ' Merry weather's work. Remembering that all the houses are of wood, I said, * You send this out when there is a fire ? ' • Oh, no. We did once.' • Oh!' said I, 'wouldn't it work?' 'Yes,' was the reply, ' It worked splendidly. When in came to a fire it put it out. But that would throw all the native firemen out of work, and so it has not been allowed to go outside the college ever since. Evidently in Japin they understand and practise the art of ' giving employment.' " At S\ Mary's Church, Port Chalmers, on Friday evening, Father O'Donnell was the recipient of a purse of sovereigns subscribed by the congregation, and also the following address, which was read by Miss Day : — "Dear Ilev. Father,— We have learned with heartfelt sorrow that you are leaving this district, in which you have laboured so lovingly and zealously for the past four years. Receive the expressions of our devoted, grateful, and respecttul attachment, and rest apsured, dear father, we thall not tail to remember jou in j our prayers. May you be blespcd with every I temporal and spiritual gift in your new parish s.

*nd may your efforts in the cause of our holy faith be as successful as they have beeu in Port Chalmers. Iv conclusion, dear rev. father, wo most respectfully request you will accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a trifling mark of the love, gratitude, and esteem of your laithful people, the Catholics of Port Chalmers." Miss Miller then handed the purse of sovereigns to Father O'Donnell, who, in returning thanks for the presentation, spoke of the good feeling that had always existed between him and his congregation; and, although leaving the district, he said he should at all times remember the people of Port Chalmers. The Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Treasurer, arrived from the north on Tuesday night, and wil remain in Dunedin over to-day. Messrs Scott and Ronayne, the new Railway Commissioners, left on a visit of inspection of the southern lines on Tuesday morning. The Government intend to reintroduce a clause in the Rating Act giving local bodies power to rate on unimproved values. The Premier is to deliver an address at Foxton (Wellington), probably on Friday evening. Mr William Dymockj formerly general manager of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited), was on Tuesday the recipient of a pleasing tribute of regard from the staff of the bank in the colony, on the occasion of his retiring from the service, in the shape of a massive silver inkstand and a purse of sovereigns. The inkstand bears the following inscription :—": — " Presented to William Dymock, Esq., by the colonial staff of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited), on the occasion of his retirement from the general management of the bank, as a tribute of respect to his high character, ability, and untiring devotion to duty, as well as in grateful remembrance of his uniform kindness and consideration at all times.— DunediD, December 1893." It is of handsome design, and was manufactured from New Zealand silver. Messrs Nerli, Wilson, and Perrett have just opened a large studio in the Octagon, having obtained suitable premises for the purpose next door to Dr Martin's. In addition to giving private tuition, they intend to conduct special classes for instruction in drawing and painting in all its branches — in fact, to have an academy where pupils can receive a thorough course of training in art. The studio is well lighted, and is being fitted up with all the appurtenances of an art academy. A large number of pupils have already joined the classes, which will be iv full operation in a few days. The venture has been highly spoken of by those who are well qualified to judge of such matters, and as the ability of Messrs Nerli, Wilson, and Perrett as teachers is well known, their efforts to supply a long-felt want in the city will no doubt be cordially recognised by all lover 3of art. It may be mentioned that Messrs Nerli, Wilson, and Perrett invite inspection of their new quarters. On Saturday night Mr R. Slater was presented with a handsome gold Maltese cross in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him as president of the recent Labour Day Committee. The presentation was made by Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R. for Chalmers, and the recipient replied in suitable terms. Mr Daniel M'lntosh, of the railway engineer's office at Christchurch, has been promoted to the resident engineership of the Grey-Brunner and O-ay.Hokitika lines. The Russian Government have bougriirfiom the United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company five steamships to be used by the Amoor Steamship Company in connection with the Russian Government's transcontinental railroad in Siberia. The vessels are the Cigurana, Vigilanta, Advance, Finance, and Alliance, now engaged in the Rio trade. They are all big ships supplied with modern machinery. The price received for the five was 1,000,000d01. They are now making their last trips, and the fleet will leave — four for the Pacific and one for the Baltic — about March 15. W. D. Richardo, the Chicago agent for Russia, is now at Tacoma, selecting ports for the steamships. > At the City Police Court on Tuesday a young girl named Louisa Lewis, about 18 years of age, was charged with being on the premises of the Hon. R. Oliver without any reasonable excuse. — Accused pleaded guilty. — Sergeant O'Neill stated that the girl was found in an outhouse on Mr Oliver's place on the previous night. The parents of the accused were communicated with, and they stated that she was beyond their control. Latterly she had been away from home. At present, the sergeant went on to say, accused was leading an immoral life, and it seemed a pity that something could not be done towards getting her to reform. She was too old for the Industrial School, but if a remand was granted some charitable association might take her in hand.— Mr Colclough observed that something should bo done to save the girl from "going to the dogs" altogether, and the Bench would be very glad to fall in with the suggestion of the sergeant of police. A remand until i Saturday would be granted. Constable M'Chesney, after three years' ser- ! vice at the central station, Dunedin, has been transferred to South Dunedin, which means well-earned promotion, as he gets a free house. Joining the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1864, he resigned to come to New Zealand with good testimonials. He has now seen 13 years' service in this colony. He was at Parihaka just after the Te Whiti trouble, and has since been stationed at Orepuki, Invercanrill and Gore. ° '