LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2171, 3 October 1895, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Those who are liable to pay rales to local bodies should bear in mind th&t by the Rating Act of last year they become liable to an addition of 10 per cent, if payment is not made within six months of the "ftrikiog of the rate. It is not left to the option of local bodias to impose the penalty, the clause of the act is mandatory. As -there is no fixed date for striking the rate there is onsiquently no special date for the payment of all ration, and the duty rests therefore upon property-ownern ts see that the rates for which they may be liable are paid within the six months if they desire to avoid the penalty. Mr Villiers, the war corredpondent, btiug interviewed in Sydney with respect to his visit to New Zealand, said it struck him fcbat the people were not co happy as when he last visited the country 16 years ago. The womeu'B franchise he considers a mistake. He sees do objection to women who really possess a stake in the country having a vote, but he does not agree with the one- woman-one-vote principle. The Liquor Bill, especially that clause dealiug with the olosing of clubs at the same time as hotels, he considers an unwarrantable irterference with the liberty of the subject. Speaking generally, the colony had not fulfilled the great future he had anticipated for it on bis p/ovious visit. The country was lovely ; the people were charming; and Nature had done everything for the place. Man alone was trying to ruin ib. He had returned with a stronger belief than ever that an unpaid Parliament it the most perfect form of government. The leather trade section of the London Chamber of Commerce is drawing the attention of the colonial chambers to the great deprecia-» tion in the value of hides caused by the present system of branding cattle. This is especially the c 0.66 a? regards colonial hides, the brands being considerably larger and more careleesly m»de th»n in South America and some other foreign countries. The fact of hides from the River Plate, not to speak of other countries, beiog commercially more valuable, owing, in a great degree, to the better system of branding which prevails, seems a strong reason why some other system should be devised. A smaller brand placed on a less valuable part of th 9 hide, or a distinctive mark made on the horns or the hoofs of the animals are amongst the suggestions that appear to be most advisable. We have received from "A Friend" £1 in aid of the family of the late Roderick Williams, of Oreti Plains, who found on the death of the breadwinner that the life insurance policy sapposed to be for £200 was only worth about £14. We shall forward the subscription to tha Southland Times, from which paper we copied the paragraph. The total area of the colony's land made freehold by immediate purchase for cash, up to the end of March lust, was 12,961,904 acres. There had been granted to local bodies and to persons 6,989,74-2 acres ; there had been told on terms of deferred payment, which terms were completed, 1,097,442 acr*s; and there were held on such terms uncompleted and on perpetual leases 3,208,426 acres, making in all 24,257,414 acres alienated. The trial of John Keown for the murder at B&lfour of Hugh Stewart was brought to a close at Invercargill on the 25th ult., when a verdict of guilty was returned, coupled with a recommendation to meroy. Mr Justice Williams pronounced sentence of death, adding that he would forward the jury's recommendation to the Governor's advisers. The following cable, which came to hand on the 2bth ult., we give for what it is w^orth :— "Ju Chicago a convention consisting of 1000 delegates from all the Btates, the Dominion of Canada, and Australia, is planning for a revival of militant Fenianisna in Ireland." An applicant for the position of caretaker of the Logan's Point baths supported his application to the City Council on the 25sh ult. with several excellent arguments. He represented ihat he was nearly 70 yeara of age, and bad resided in the district for 33 years, Rnd had "paid rates a greater part of that time" — until, in fact, his money was gone. Moreover, he had, until the last five years, "alwa)s made it a point to pay everybody." Belter still, he vouched for it that " a good corrector can be hud of all Honest Peopel who have ki.own me, and one that I have borne from my cradle." Further than that, "althouguot a sign«d or pledged abstainer," he had "nither Tutched, Tasted, or handled any Intockting Drink for the last three years." Despite the possession by the applicant of there qualifications, his application was merely referred to the committee charged with the making of an appointment. At a meeting of the Otago Workers' Political Committe9 on the 25th ult. the following resolutions were adopted: — "That the Colonial Treasurer be urged to pub a differential duty of 2d extra on packet tea over tea imported in bulk." " That the Treasurer be wired to showing the injustice of breaking the ppirit of the contract (with the licensed bond manufacturers) in prohibiting them from making tinctures from free spirits three months before the terms of the license expires." At a meeting of the Dunedin Assembly of Knights of Labour, held on Thursday, the following resolutions ware carried :—": — " That we urgently protest against any system of indirect taxation — on the grounds that the only legitimate sources of revenue are the land, income, and death duties, — in ordf-r that every citizen may know the amount of bis taxation ; and that we further protest against the continual alterations in the tariff as only a useless waste of the time of the Legislature, without

any ultimata advantage to the public. That this assembly protest against auy further inoreMo in salaries o?or £200 in the oivil service or other Government departments ; and would, on ths contrary, strongly suggest tho necessity (on account of the oiccumstances of tho colony) of a reduction of all salaries over the amount named." An exchange Btafces that a proposal is on foot for the form.ition of a hugo timber company, to include the whole of the mills, Taranaki, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and tho West Coast of the South Inland. Professor Parker gave an exceedingly interesting lecture on bho subject of "Natural History," before members of the Field Naturalists' Club, who attended in large numbers, in tho Y.W.C. Association Rooms on Thursday night. Mr G. M. Thomson introduced the speaker in a few words. Professor Parker referred to various branches of natural history, and to White, Howey, Smith, Cuvior, Yon Baer, Linnaeus, and Darwin, some of whom had taken up aud advanced knowledge in particular branches, while others had made the subject a more comprehensive study. He spoke on the environment ( of animals, and gave a most interesting accouut of their protective and (heir aggiessive characters, placing before his listeners numerous instances of each iv the shape of illustrations. In tho protcctivo section he showed the close resemblance many insects boro to loaves and twigs, mentioning the well-known stick insect in relation to tho last. Another point was colour, the rabbit; beiug held up as an example of this. He epoke of what he called courtship colours, as found in the golden pheasant and other gorgeously-plumaged birds, and gave as & reason for the difference in the garbs of tho sexes of such birds the extreme daugor the female would run when sitting on the vest if ehe were feathered like her mate. He also referred to examples of a combination of courtship and protective colours. At the conclusion of the lecture a 'hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Professor Parker at the instance of Mr A. Wilson. | This week tho winter session of the Technical Classss was brought to n close. On Friday night the result of the examination of the pupils of tho junior shorthand olass was announced. Of the 23 who presented themselves, 20 passed and the average percentage of marks was 89 7. Tho results of the other examinations Rill probably be known next week. The certificates will bo presented on the 15th of next month. Miss Webster and the Misses Reid (2), who are about to take up missionary work iv China uuder the China Inland Mission, are at present in Dunedin on their way to Ghiufc. At the Magistrate's Court on Friday, in the ease of Frederick Smith (assignee in the estate of Catherine TurnbuH, Moagiel) v. P. Kieley (Mosgiol) judgment was given for the plaintiff (for whom Mr Milne appeared), with costs. Oar Auckland correspondent telegraphs :—: — " The bones of the moa found recently in a eave'iu the Waitomo district have been sent to Auoklaud, and Mr Cheeneman, curator of the museum, has put them together. The skeleton is «s nearly as possible complete. A portion of the soft bone of the beak is missing and one of the small bones of one of the toes, but even the vertebrae of the tail are complete aud the small bony rings of the gullet. The bones hava probably lam in this cave for over a thousand years, and they must have been absoluttly undisturbed during all that time. Such a thing could not occur now, for rats are everywhere and pull about anything which has animal matter attached to it. But this bird had died at a time when there were no rats in the country which ftd on animal flesh. Probably there were no rats at; all, for the Maoris fl*y they brought tho Native wit, which was solely a vegetable feeder, with them from Hawaii. Mr Cheeaeman has identified this moa as dinoruis struthiordes, one of the middling-sized species and common to both islands. Tho finders of the botibi are being communicated with with the view of purchasing them for the museum. " At a meeting held in the Y.W.C. A. Hall on the 25th ulfc , after au address by Lady Stout, it was decided to form a branoh in Dunedin of the Southern Cross Society. After a spell of six weeks' drj weather raia fell in Hawke's Bay on tho 25th alt. The Morri* referred to ia the cablegrams elsewhere as having passed the Indian civil service examination should be William Morria. He had a repu> ation in the colony of being one of its moat brilliant scholars. The Gaming Suppression Bill has been pasted by the Queensland Legislative Assembly, and awaits confirmation by the Council. The Grej mouth Star is the authority for a statement that the Grey Valley Company has disposed of its mines and plant, and will ou and after the Ist of October ceaie to exist as «n active corporation. Tha purchaser is the He&yuiouth and Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company, which will in future carry on tho business in connection with il s own mine, which will now ba opened with all possible speed. It is also itated that the Weshport Colliery Company's interest has bsen absorbed, while the Union Company and Mr M. Keunedy will continue to hold a share in the new concern ; further, that Mr M'Dongall will be managing director, whilst Mr Kennedy will hold a seat on the board of control. If the correspondent of the Lyttelton Times is well informed, Sir Patrick A. Buckley is to succeed Sir J.»mei Prendergast as Chief Juetic . He implies that tho Premier, by writing to tl.o I Chief Justice us to the state of the work in tie j different judicial districts, is meraly gaieirg ! time to make the dispositions tha!; will be I rendered necessary. Sir J. Preudergasi'a 21 years of service will be complete in March next, when it ia understood he retires on a pecdion. It is probxble tbat Judge Ward will ba asked to fill the vacancy caused by Mr Justice Richmond's death till March next, and then if Sir James Preuclergast retires Sir P. A. Buckley will tike the Chief Justiceship, whila Judge Ward will be appointed a puiane judge. The Post alleges that Ministers are trying to induce the Chief Justico to retire by offering him generous terms as to pension and giving him a life appointment as deputy-governor. Aq advance copy of " Fiordl&nd," the summer number of the. Leader, which is devoted to descriptions and illustrations of a number of the most beautiful of the beauty spots iv this fair colony of ours, has been forwarded to in. It will be remembered that for the purpose of securiug material for this isßue an expedition, organised on behalf of tha-Leader, left Dunesiin in April last to visit the fiord district, with which tome members of the party were already familiar. But the publication contains much more than a graphic description of the localities embraced within the scope of that expedition, for it includes also well-written accounts of the wonders of the glacier region in the S^uth Island and of the geyser district in the N<>rr,b Island. The letterpress, with the exception of a necessarily sketchy description of the cities of the colony and a reference to some of its industries, was entrusted to Mr Malcolm Robs, whose name is a sufficient guarantee that ample justice has been done to the subject. The

number is profusely illustrated, and many o! the views are exquisitely reproduced. Tha illustrations were in most oauoa executed by Mr B. T. Luke, of Melbourne, but they include also specimens of the work of our leading photographers. We are informed that 80.00 D copies are bsing printed ; nnd as, notwithstanding the great expense involved in it? preparation, the prica to non-subscribers to the Leador will be 6d only, it may be expected that there will be a very extensive demand for the work. Embracing as it doea much that is novel and effective, and comprising an exceptionally large number of flue views, " Fiordland"io eminently suited for sending Home ; and its wida circulation should have the effect of appreciably stimulating tourist traffic to this colony. ' Captaia Commandant William Goldie, of tho Poit Chalmers Nnval Artillery, who h»3 ta unbroken record of 23 years and 173 days as It commissioned officor, has received the longservice modal. Tho numerous friends of tbia vettran officer will be glad to hear of the honour conferred upon him. The report and balance sheet of tho South British Insurance Company for tho year ©uded 31sfc August last dijclcsjs a profit of £30,173 18* 7d, which, addtd Jo tho balanco br<'Ußht forward from the previous year, makes £3G.413 4s 7d at tho credit of the profit and loss account. Tho adding £20,0G0 to thfl goieral resorvo fund and £2500 to tho reinsurance reserve fund, and the payment of a dividond at the rata of Is 6il per share for tho second half of the year, are rocommendod by the directors, making a total distribution for tho year of 3s per share. The Rev. H. Jones, of Chalmers Church, Melbourne, conducted service at F/r.-t Church on Sunday, fche.-o bsing a large attend-iucs both in the morning and cvonhg. At tho evening service he gavo a difceonrse on "Tho Ideal Worker," taking his toxi; fro.xi I Corinthians xv, 58: ."Therefore, ray b'loved brc hron, bo ye stedfitt, unraovablc, alwaya abonnding in tho work of the Lord : fora«« rauch ns yo know that your labour ii not iv vtin in tho Lord." A tea> serpent has tump.d up in America. It came itsaoro at Black wall's lal-xud recently) and is described as 25fu long, spotted like a rattlesnake, abaui 9in in circumference, with a big head and a double row of fangs, with sc»les and pio v ruding spikes all over the body. It was dead when found, and appeared to have been killed by a collision with a steamer. This time there seems to be no doubt on the matter, for thfl " serpent " has been exposed to public view and photographed. It is currently reported (says the Christchurch P/css) that tho Government hav^ receiv*da message from tho Ag-snt-gtmtral to the effect that he bad consulted counsel on behalf of the Now Zealand Government, and had obtained tu* opinion tfut tho seizure b the colony of the Midland railway was an illegal act. Tbo Dunstan Times announces definitely that Mr S. E. M'Carthy has been appointed as S.M. and warden for the Duuctan district. Born and educated in DnneJin, ho served bin articles with Messrs Bathg&te and Buchanan, and w&« admitted as a barrister and BoHcitor in 1883, soon afterwards removing to Naseby, where ho has resided ever since. Chicago is to have what is termed an electrical water system. As tha result of a confer' once of the city authorities Mr John F. Barrett vras authorised to proceed at once with tho preparation of plan? and specifications for the works, which will quickly furnish every ncction of the oifcy with an adequate tupply of wat<it ! and give Chicago the finest system of water1 works in the world. Barrett is the inven'or, j or, more properly, discoverer, of tho new ' system. Years ago, it is said, Mr Btrrctt invented and pat into operation wonderful electrical appliances which havu since been copied by the police and fire departments of every progras»ivo city. Iv the opiuion of oorapetenfc mechanical exports who have had opportunity to examine tha electrical water supply system, the latter will rank even higher in the scale in municipal utility. Fronoh chemists now claim priority of the discovery of acetylene gas, which they assort possesses an illuminating power 15 times superior to ordinary gae. But this is not all (sty.i a contemporary). Acefcyle-ao, it it ascertained, oau be transformed by a simple chemical procss into alcohol of such purity as to reqaire no rectffloatioß, bo that every person may become his own distiller, and produce a good «pirit at about 30 centimes (3d. a quart. Questioned upon the subject, 111 Berthelot, the mosfc renowned chemi»t iv Franco, has said :— " I affirm that, with a really •cieutifio apparatus, of »m»U dimenweus, every intelligent operator may obtain, without difficulty and without danger, a spirit which no verifier will be able to di<*tiugus/ib from that wbii-h bears the Government n^aiip."