LOCAL, & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3036, 22 May 1912, Page 30

LOCAL, & GENERAL.

A meeting-, convened by circular, of citizens interested in the proposal to raise a fund for the purchase from the Baillie collection, now in New Zealand, of pictures for the Public Art Gallery on the 14th. instant, Mr A. Bathgate presiding, After discussion it was decided to apply to the City Council for a grant of £SOO wherewith to open the fund, and it was also agreed that those present should form a deputation to advance reasons, at the meeting of the council to-night, in support of this application.

Our Wellington correspondent states that a beatitifully-mado local aeroplane and an imported Blcriot machine are now on exhibition., in Wellington. It was understood that flight exhibitions were to have been given by Messrs Walsh and Veshuren, who own the Bleriot. and by Mr Hammond, a Ne.v Zealander, who has made some five flights in the Old World, but apparently some hitch has arisen and Mr Hammond has left New Zealand for the time being and Mr Veshuren, who is a mechanical expert, is returning to America. A syndicate that is interested in the venture may get an aeronaut from America to give exhibitions in the Dominion.

The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times telegraphs:—"One of the most interesting political portente in an eventful period is a change in the control of the New Zealand Times. I understand that this well-known morning paper, so long identified with the Ministerial side of politics, is about to come under the direction of the United Labour party, with Professor W. T. Mills as one of the active controlling heads. At the last sitting of the Magistrate's Court at Ahaura (says the ""Grey mouth correspondent /of the Chrietchurch Press) Mr J. G. Hewitt, S.M.. had before him the case in which Patrick Puane, licensee of the Union Hotel, Nelson Creek, was charged with permitting a female (his niece), not registered as a barmaid, to serve liquor in the bar of the hotel on Sunday, March 3, to boarders staying at the hotel. It was contended by Mr Joyce, for the defence, that Sunday was not a day on which licensed premises were open for the sale of liquor, although certain persons might be supplied, and that the employment of registered barmaids, as expressed by the act, was obligatory ordy "' while the bar is open for the sale of liquor." On Saturday ar Greymouth Mr Hewitt delivered his reserved decision on the point. The magistrate said that it was the intention of the Legislature not to allow the employment of unregistered females in bars. The case was, however, a novel one, and he should inflict only a nominal one of 10s, without costs. While inspecting the encampment of the 12th Otago Mounted Rifles at fealclutha on the 15th, Major-general Godley met with a slight mishap, which will incapacitate him from active work for a day or two. The horse which he was riding fell, and rolled on his foot, spraining his ankle. As a result of this accident General Godley is confined to his room, and his departure from Ditnedin, vhich had been fixed for this morning, will be delayed for a day at least.

When the Arawa, which arrived at Wellington on the 15th, was about a week out frorr. London two steerage passengers—a married woman and a young man--developed acute mania, and had to be piaced under restraint. The man was very violent, and had to be constantly watched lest he should do himself an injury. On the arrival of the vessel at Wellington (says a Press Association message) the port health officer refused

to allow the two unfortunate people to be landed, and ordered them to be sent back to England. They were placed on board the Corinthic, which left for . London on the 16th.

In the course of an interview at Christchurch on the 15th (says a Press Association message) the Hon. Q. Laurenson stated that there was a brisk demand for workers in mosit parts of the country, and he had heard no complaints of shortage of labour in any place. The only difficulty which was presenting itself was that of finding work for old men and men who had become partly incapacitated through illness or injury. Strong representations had been made as to the necessity of the Government taking steps to make provision for an imported supply of skilled labourers, farm hands, and domestic servants, but at present the Government did not see its way clear to take any steps in that direction. The Minister stated that there was a brisk demand for workers' dwellings, both in the North and the South Islands. Ho had inspected land at Oamaru and Timaru, where tenders were being called for the erection of homes. Regarding dwellings for flasmili hands, Mr Laurenson said that he had asked Mr Lomas, Mr Robertson (the member for Otaki), and the secretary of the Flaxmill Workers' Union to inspect the dwellings provided at the flaxmills for the accommodation of the workers. There had been several complaints as to the naturo of the accommodation provided, and the gentlemen he had named would act as a sort of informal commission of inquiry to ascertain what the exact position was, and to make recommendations to him within the next few days.

It has been frequently pointed out that the district between Beaumont and Roxburgh is an ideal one for the culture of apples for export. This was emphasised at tho Diinedin Horticultural Society's show en the 15th by a very nice exhibit from the orchard, at Ettrick, of the trustees of the late Mr Tonkin. The apples were very fine in colour, of excellent flavour, and of a size suitable for export, and reflected great credit on the orchardist (Mr Cockburn). When the late Mr Tonkin purchased tho property, which was part of the Moa Flat Estate, he foresaw tho possibilities of the district for fruit-growing, and planted a large number of fruit trees, chiefly apples. His executor carried on the orchard, which is one of the largest in the district, and when the trees come into full bearing they should justify Mr Tonkin's firm opinion that apple growing would prove a profitable venture. Tho fruit-growing industry alone demands that the LawrenceRoxburgh Railway should be pushed on without delay. A rather uncommon case was ventilated at the- Wanganui Magistrate's Court, when a husband sued his wife for maintenance. The plaintiff in his day had been one of the bast-known professional riders over the hurdles in New Zealand, and, in the words of his counsel, had had more bones broken than any man in the Dominion, and as a result was in very poor health. After ho had married ho made over his property at Feilding to his wife, and she later mortgaged it to finance him in an hotel at Levin, the license for which he had to transfer to his wife, and as she was now evidently " lord and master" he asked the court to make an order for his wife to support him. After hearing a considerable amount of evidence from both parties the case was dismissed. At the meeting of the committee of the Otago A. and P. Society on tho 16th a letter was received from the Primo Minister (the Hon. T. Maokenzie) stating that he had succeeded in making arrangements which

would enable him to accept the committee's kind invitation to open the Winter Show on June 4. Mr Mackenzie expressed the hope that a most successful exhibition would result this year. In connection with the show itself the secretary (Mr H. V. Fulton) reported that, judging from the entries that have so far come forward, the exhibition' this year promised to constitute a record for the Otago Society. A pleasing feature in a large number of the classes was that this year exhibits ■would be sent from as far north as Amberley in the north and Bluff in the south. A larger number than usual was coming from Canterbury, while there was also the usual quota from Otago and Southland. The demand for floor space has also been very large, and, altogether, the show should prove a record one in the history of Otago.

Our Invercargill correspondent informs us that the Hon. George Fowlds, who has been, addressing various meetings on the platform of the United Labour party, speaking with a reporter, said: —"The result of my special mission to Southland has been much more than satisfactory. I have at all meetings had what I consider large and enthusiastic audiences, and the sympathy that I have found with the new party in sections of the community where I hardly expected it has been very gratifying." At the meeting of the Otago Education Board yesterday Messrs D. T. Fleming and W. M'Elrea were appointed as the board's representatives on the Balclutha Technical Classes, and Meters P. M'Kinlay and W. B. Graham on the Milton Technical Classes.

Mr J. H. Walker, chairman of the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, was on the 16th appointed to represent the board on the Otago University Council. In the Supreme Court en the 16th Margaret Parker was retried on a charge of selling intoxicating liquor at St. Kilda on April 14 without having a lioense to do so.' Mr Hanlon appeared for the accused. The evidence led by the Crown Prosecutor (Mr J. F. X M. Fraser, K.C.) was similar in all respects to that adduced at the trial on the previous day. For the defence, Mr Hanlon did not call any evidence, but addressed the jury on the lines of his remarks on Wednesday, after which his Honor reviewed the evidence. The jury retired at a quarter to 3, and after an absence of four hours, which is the time allowed by law for consultation, returned to court with the intimation that they had not been able to agree, and that there was no hope of an agreement being arrived at. His Honor asked Mr Fraser what he proposed to do. Had ho considered the matter thoroughly, or would he wait till the following day to see if it was worth while going on with the case? The Crown Prosecutor said hie mind was pretty well made up, but if his Honor would grant him. till the following morning he would take it. Apples continue to go from Australia via New Zealand to South America (says our Wellington correspondent). A large shipment, comprising about 16,000 cases, was brought by the Arawa from Hobart and transhipped to the Corinthic, which sailed yesterday. The fruit is consigned to Rio de Janeiro.

Tho following officers were elected for the ensuing term by the Trades and Labour Council on the 16th:— President, Mr M. M'Allen; senior vice-president, Mr F. Ford; junior vice-president, Mr J. Robertson ; secretary, Mr R. Breen (re-elected) ; and treasurer, Mr R. Ferguson (re-elected). The resignation of Miss K. Mackenzie as matron at the Dunediu Hospital was accepted by the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board at its mooting last week Miss Mackenzie to be relieved of her duties on July 31. Members of the board said thoy were sorry to lose the valuable services of the matron, but expressed their pleasure at tho cause of Miss Mackenzie's resignation. It was also remarked that members might have another opportunity of expressing their appreciation of her work in the institution.

A complaint has reached us that stock in tho paddocks in West Taieri is being rendered unsafe through promiscuous shooting on the part of sportsmen who are out in cpuest of ducks, and that a valuable horse and a cow have been shot.

Four men are at present engaged in culling weedy and malformed deer in the Upper DingLe and in the Hunter Valley from Green Bush southwards. Ideal weather for the work is being experienced, and a fairly large section of the forest should have been satisfactorily dealt with by the time it becomes necessary to cease work—early in June.

A Press Association -n«wa.ge from Auckland states that in the course of a letter to the secretary of the Auckland Waterside Workers' Union regarding an invitation to a representative of the Farmers' Union Trading Association to attend a meeting of the transport branch of the New Zealand Federation of Labour at Wellington on the 15th inst., with a view to arriving at an amicable settlement on the question of handling obnoxious cargoes, the secretary of the Auckland Branch of the Farmers' Union says, inter alia:—" There is difficulty in. regard to the conference proposed by you, inasmuch as it appears, to bo dominated by the Federation of Labour Association. My union entirely disapproves of the expressed aims and methods of that association, and while anxious to consult and agree, if possible, with your union, declines to send any representative of the Farmers' Union to take part in the deliberations of the New Zealand Federation of Labour. At the same time, our union desires to carry out and continue the under-

standing arrived at when we met to consider the question of handling manures."

Mr Cockayne, botanist of the Agricultural Department, has been studying the habits of the Californian thistle with a view to the eradication of the pest (says our Wellington correspondent). He states that the weed is not a native of California (where it is unknown), but of Europe. He finds it is the female plant that causes the spread of the weed. The male plant does not seed. The difference is easily distinguishable. In some places male flowers predominate, in others the sexes are inextricably mixed. The female plants should be cut out, also patches of plants of mixed sexes, while the patches of male plants would not require to be dealt with at all. Mr Cockayne thinks that if it were definitely proved that it is practicable to cut out only female plants the act could be amended to meet the changed requirements.

At the meeting of the High School Board of Governors on the 16th draft plans were submitted of the (new building which is to be erected in the grounds-of the Boys' High School to serve as a science laboratory at an estimated cost of £2500.

An application for permission to marry made by two inmates of the Costley Homo for the Aged Poor came before the Auckland Hospital Board last week (says the Herald). Mr J. Jenkin (chairman of the Costley Home Committee) said that the man was 80 years old, arid his prospective bride 43 years old. When the quarters for married couples were provided, Dr M'Kelvie warned the board that some of the single inmates might seek admission to them, by the means of matrimony. The board adopted the committee's advice, and declined the application; it also decided to make a rule that only married couples, each over 60 years of age, and married at least 10 years before making the application, should be admitted to the married couples' quarters. When the annexe was built it was intended to obviate the necesity of parting aged husbands from their wives.

News by last mail indicates that intending" emigrants from Great Britain are experiencing eome difficulty in securing passages to the colonies. Mrs Charles Bright, editor of the Harbinger of Light, the Australian spiritualist paper, relates in th© current iss\ie that she has had a communication from Mr Stead since ho was lost in the Titanic disaster. The mail train from Napier was momentarily held up at Dannevirke (says a Press Association telegram) while the Prime Minister addressed the Territorials on his way to the casual camp at Masterton. He said he had received placards saying " Ward and Mackenzie are Prime Ministers who gaoled our boys," and " Workers, you are .training your boys to shoot you down!" Instead of that, they were being trained to defend a country where workers were happier than in any other. On being asked if they were in favour of such placards, the Territorials chorused " No." An inquiry was held at Boxburgh on Thursday by Mr W. S. Shortt into the demand made by the Roxburgh Borough. Council for a contribution from the Tuapeka County Council towards the upkeep • of the Main road passing through Boxburgh. Mr Fletcher appeared for the petitioning body, and Mr Moore for the County Council. Tho ground on which the Borough Council raised its claim was the excessive coal, fruit, and rabbit cartage through (he borough. It was admitted by the County Council that there was an excess of county traffic through the town, but it was contended that the business people of the borough derived considerable benefit from this, that they had the uso of over 60 miles of county roads, and that they contributed nothing towards the upkeep of the bridge, which was of equal convenience to both borough and county residents. After hearing a considerable amount „ of evidence on both sides, the commissioner said he would give the matter his careful consideration both from a legal and an equitable point of view, and make his report to the Governor in due course.

As an indication of the feeling actuating parliamentary members of the different political parties, it iJiay be mentioned that an Otago member of Parliament returned in the Independent Liberal interest, stated to a Daily Times reporter on the 17th that when Parliament met he would vote for a motion or amendment expressing no-confi-dence in the Mackenzie Government, and, the present Government out of office, ho would then hold himself free to support or vote against the measures introduced by the incoming Government.

Speaking to a deputation on the 17th the Hon. Mr Myers made some remarks that were as candid as they were clear, though they may not have been altogether pleasing to the gentlemen to whom they were addressed. A deputation had voiced the wish of residents at Burnside for an overhead bridgo at the south end of their station, in order to afford easier access to a well-populated part of the district. Residents of Green Island had made a similar request. But Mr Myers was adamant. He pointed out that in the case of Burnside an ovorbridge would save the residents a walk of 187 yards, and the cost of the structure would be £l5O. At Green, Island the residents concerned would bo saved a walk of 254 yards, and the cost of a bridge would be £l5O, and of two bridges £SOO. But he did not think they had much! to complain about. There were people in the back-blocks who had no roads at all, and who for years had experienced the greatest difficulty in getting the produce of their farms to a market. The case of

the back-blockers was, to his mind, the more urgent, and he could not hold out any hope in the meantime that the residents of Burnside and Green Island would get their bridges. Mr Myers also urged the deputation to pay more attention to the drainage of the district. He had passed through the locality, and he was sure their time would be better spent in improving the drainage than in seeking the alteration of a bridge. Despite the fact that some 2000 or 3000 young people passed the junior civil service examination last year, there appears to be a considerable diffidence on the part of the successful candidates to accept offers of employment in the various departments (says the Wellington Post). The number of cadetships to be filled every year is considerable, and even at this early stage some 800 of the successful examinees, taken in order of merit, have been offered employment, and yet a suffieierrt number has not'been procured. Some of those who have refused the offer have no desire teenier the service; others from the country who havo been offered cadetships away from their homes are averse to leaving the parental rcof; and others, again, are desirous of continuing their education. It is not suggested that the position is serious, but it is significant that of the 800 or so whose names appear first on the list sufficient cannot be found to fill all the vacancies. New Zealand frozen meat and dairy produce are" well thought of in the Old Country (states the New Zealand Herald). As a result of constant inquiries, Mr Alfred Kidd, who has just returned from a holiday tour, states that he found that even in the most remote parts of England and Wales New Zealand mutton was being sold, properly labelled, under its own name, and it had a- splendid reputation for quality. He heard many tributes to the excellence of the article. As an instance, he mentioned that the proprietor of a shop in Carnarvon, Wales, had informed him that the New Zealand mutton was the best he sold, and there was a great demand for it. Mr Kidd also found wherever he went in the Old Country that New Zealand butter was held in high favour. The following extract from the Labour Journal, just published, shows that immigrants who have recently arrived have been readily absorbed: —"Tho oversea boats, Corinthic and Remuera, were met as usual, advice given to the new arrivals, and departmental address cards distributed. It is pleasing to say more girls found their way to tho office than usual. Fourteen out of the 25 domestic workers who arrived by tho Corinthic were placed in employment by the office. They were a particularly capable class of young women, and, almost without exception, had the requisite training for domestic work." A special despatch to the New York Times of April 11—the day after the Titanic left Britain on her ill-fated voyage—mentions that as the huge vessel was leaving Southampton a disaster was narrowly averted, and dramatic proof of the correctness of tho much-debated theory of suction was given. As the Titanic passed from her berth out to the open stream she sucked the water between herself and the quay to such an, extent that the strain broke the haweers with which another liner (the New York) was moored. The New Vork commenced to drift, and a collision seemed likely. The crowd watched with breathleas excitement. However, the Titanic's engines were lcversed, and the tugs Neptune and Vulcan steamed to the New York and towed her back to safety at the quayside, where she was safely moored. On Saturday afternoon, under the most favourable conditions of weather, the 'S'.h Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles entered upon their annual encampment. The regiment comprises four squadrons, one havng its headquarters in Dunedin (the Otago Hussars), and the other three being drawn from Oamaru, Ranfurly, Maniototo and North Otago generally. There are in all some 400 men under canvas, and the camp i<s pleasantly situated on Mr Go-.v's property Invcrmay, near VVingahli. Lieutenant-coloi.el R. Logan A.D.C., U in charge, with Captain G. W. C.

Maodonald second in command, while Captain Hay and Captain Fraser are also present. The men will remain in camp for a week, and durinp that time will be inspected by Colonel Herd. On Wednesday they will ride into town and the ceremony of presenting their colours will bo performed at St. Paul's Cathedral. The work to bo done during the time in camp will necessarily be of a eomewhat elementary nature as many of the men are recruits, and >vill consist of the usual physical drill in the mornings, followed later in the day by rifle exercises, and troop and squadron drill. The man will also receive instruction as to the care of arms; and be put through squad drill on foot as well. At a large and representative gathering of friends of the late Mrs Mackie, .'n Fir>t Church Hall recently it was resolved unanimously to place a stained glass window in First Church to her memory, and that ct the Rev. Lindsay Mackie, the devoted minister of the congregation for nine years. Both we're so widely known and beloved that many outside the congregation may wish to. have an opportunity of joining in the memorial. Mrs Watson Slhennan, High street, has been' appointed treasurer, and Miss M. A. M'Glashan, secretary. The General Grant salvage expedition still languishes for lack of funds, and as these have not been raised to satisfy claims against the Wairoa, the vessel is still under distraint at the tongue wharf On Saturday a large portion of the perishable stores intended for the shore camps at Port Ross wore taken off the vessel. Financial negotiations have been in progress during- the past few days, but so far as can be ascertained the results have not been very en j cou raging. From a Press Association telegram from Wellington we learn that in referring to the reporting of interlocutory proceedings Mr Justice Cooper said during a case on Friday : —" I might say now that reporters are present that it is a very dangerous thing for newspapers to publish affidavits in interlocutory proceedings which are Cham bers matters." Proceeding, his Honor said that reporters should not search the files and make affidavits public before the matters really came before court. It was very dangerous for the press to publish these. It did so at its own risk, and might bo liable for contempt of court or libel. Some years ago a paper had been successfully proceeded against in this connection. The Dunedin police were advised on Sunday that Alexander Marshall, manager of Stewart Dawson's business in Christchurch, was arrested on Saturday morning on w-arrant on a charge of the theft of £IOO from the firm. The Waihemo County Council received at its meeting on Saturday a circular from the Palniorslon North Chamber of Commerce containing (he following motion for its consideration :—" That this chamber desires to express appreciation of the attitude shown by the Honorable the Minister of Defence in connection with his expressed intention of enforcing the law relating to the compulsory provisions of the Defence Act." The Chairman (Cr O'Neill) said that a good many important local bodies were taking up this matter. The Minister had been congratulated on all sides, and lie thought that tho Waihemo Council should pass a resolution to the same effect. Crs O'Connell and Cameron, and others expressed their opinion that the Defence Act ought to bo enforced, and that tho Minister deserved praise for the firm stand he had taken. It was unanimously derided to support the Palrr.erston Chambers's resolution. With regard to the subject of telephonic communication in Central Otago (says tha •Mount Ida Chronicle), Mr R. Scott, M.P. for tho district, has received the following letter from the Postmaster-general: "Referring to the representations made to the Hon. R. M'Kcnzie, in Central Otago in May of last year, by Messrs M'Knight and Wilson at Ophir, Messrs M'Neil and Davoy at Naseby. and Messrs Bell and Barry at Ranfurly in tho matter of establishing telephonic communication between Ophir, Nascby, and Ranfurly, and Dunedin I havo the honour to inform you that the cost of effecting tho necessary lines and wires is estimated at £3952. As the work involves

such a large capital expenditure, I regret to say iL must bo held over. for the present." There were 33 patients admitted to tho Dunedin Hospital during last week, and 39 discharged. One death occurred—that of May Kllc-n Barr. The number of patients remaining at the end of the -veok was 141, as against 148 for the previous week. A resident of Auckland, who has a son in New South Wales, had a letter from him a few days ago. The writer states that indications are palpably apparent of the approaching turn of the financial tide. The banks are getting exceedingly cautious about helping speculators to invest in real estate. In many cases deposits have been forfeited owing to inability to finance tine transaction to completion. " The banks have not forgotten the deserters of '93," tho writer continues, " and are taking no risks. At the samo time immigrants are being' brought into tho State in large numbers, and, in many cases, of a quite unsuitable class. I havo known of several (and I suppose many others have dono likewise) who, though they were assisted immigrants to New South Wales, made traoks for New Zealand very soon after they reached the Commonwealth. Tho general opinion is that the boom in Sydney is drawing to an end, and 1 it may possibly have a disastrous ending for a good many who have speculated rashly." In the Police Court on Monday morning a youth named Sidney Harris was charged with failing to take the oath under the Defence Act. Sub-inspector Cruickshank asked that the information be withdrawn as the lad had since taken the oath. The information would never have been laid but that Harris used very bad language to tho Defenco authorities, and absolutely refused to take the oath. He changed his attitude, however, when served with a summons. Tho magistrato (Mr Bartholomew), who pointed out to the defendant that he had been very considerately treated, ordered the information to bo withdrawn. The funeral of tho late Mr J. W. Gumming (of Fitzroy street, Caversham), who died on Saturday morning, was delayed under somewhat painful circumstances on the 20th inst. The relatives and friends of the deceased had gathered at his residence to pay their last respects when information was received postponing tho burial ceremony, the cause being a demand by the • coroner for a post-mortem examination. This was duo to the fact that subsequent to Mr Cumming's demise his relatives served tho Drainage Board with a notification that, in their opinion, death was due to gas poisoning, and making a claim for compensation under tho act. Under these circumstances Mr Graham ordered Dr Roberts to conduct a post-mor-tem examination on the body, with the result that it was found death was due to natural causes and not to gas poisoning. At the City Police Court on Monday morning Alexander Marshall, manager of Stewart Dawson's Christohurch branch, was charged with tho theft of £IOO from his firm on or about May 3. Mai shall, who was arrested at Green Island on Saturday by Detective Connolly, waa formerly employed in the firm's Dunedin branch. Ho was remanded to appear at Christchurch on Thursday, bail being allowed in his own recognisance of £2OO and two sureties of £IOO each. A Press Association message states that in replying to a deputation at Wairoa on Saturday with reference to starting railway construction at Wairoa, tho Hon. W. D. S. M'Donald said he would disapprove of diverting money from the Gisborne or Napier ends. If Parliament authorised the i work he was prepared to do so. At present tho department could carry its own material at either end. There were 33 lines under construction, but ho was prepared to consider tho question of starting tho Wairoa section if the engineer's report favoured it. It will be remembored (remarks the Sydney Telegraph) that Dr Mawson erected a wireless station on Macquario Island, and left five of tho members of his expedition (here before proceeding to the Far South. This station is doinjr magnificent work. A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that the Railway Department will issue school excursion tickets, available over three days, at single rates to all Boy Scouts travelling to the centres to meet General Baden-Powell. The Commandant of Junior Cadets hopes to see all Junior Cadets standing shoulder to shoulder with tho Boy Scouts at these inspections. A special train will leavo Christchurch about 6 a.m. on Juno 1 to take General Baden-Powell and his staff to Dunedin, stopping at Ashburton, Timaru, Studholme Junction, and Oamaru for the inspection of troops there. The fact that it is exactly 50 years since Edward Gibbon Wakefield died in Wellington is recalled by the New Zealand Herald. The paper remarks: —" As yet no public monument or memorial has been raised to tho man who rendered such conspicuous service to the cause of colonisation,* and who is rightly regarded as tho real founder of tho colony of New Zealand. Happily, this reproach will shortly bo removed. It is, indeed, remarkable that so great a man should havo found such small honour in a Stato which owes its very being to him. His name is seldom heard, his labours forgotten. Ho rests in a grave which only tho curious know or care to visit. Wakefield, a compound of paradoxes, has achieved the great paradox of life; a success so complete and lasting that the world forgets ho ever fought. It is, however, time our national conscience pricked i us. No lapse of years can bar the debt we owe to Wakefield, and common gratitude

should urge ua to make some public acknowledgment of it which will keep his memory fresh among us, and prompt, perhaps, later generations to read the story of a life devoted to the advancement of the public good, for while Wakefield has a just claim to face throughout all tho oversea Dominions, lie has a special and peculiar title to public recognition in New Zealand." The prosecution of the works that are being carried out at Waipori Falls by tho City Corporation is proceeding with vigour, some 90 men being at present employed. The roof has been put on the triplication portion of tho new building, and tho main weir has been finished so far as will be possible this season. With the approach of severe weather work on the weirs and concreting work —with the exception of that inside the tunnel -will be discontinued. It will not be found necessary, however, to put any men off when this occurs, as many of the labourers, gravitate towards tho cities in the winter time. The new road between tho fails and Berwick will be divided into nine sections to enable small contractors to take them up. By this means it will undoubtedly bo done more expeditiously than if the whole work were let to one contractor. It is hoped to have the road completed within a year. The Auckland Herald's Kawhia correspondent (says a Press Association telegram) reports that a seaman named Mays, belonging to the scow ,Ngaru, took the ship's boat on Sunday to go fishing at the Heads. Tho boat was seen outside the Heads in the afternoon, but nothing has been seeri or heard of it since. Some wreckage was found on the beach towards Aotea jesterday, and it is feared that tho boat must havo capsized in tho breakers. Search parties are out. Mr Froggatt (of tho Linncan Society) told tho Royal Society, at a recent gathering in Sydney, some amusing experiences of his when in Mexico. A certain notability gave him. a letter of introduction to his brother in the country, who, he understood, had a large hacienda, which answers somewhat to a station in Australia. Mr Froggatt packed up his evening clothes, and after some difficulty found an Indian to paddle him up the river in his dug-out canoe to tho nearest point to the hacienda. After lengthy wanderings, said Mr Froggatt, he arrived at a small hut on tho top of a hill. This was the place. The room he occupied, and which tho whole family occupied, consisted of four walls and a roof, without any windows. About half a dozen fowls slept under Mr Froggatt's bed, a number of peons reposed in the roof, a"d his host and his wife had a corner of the room partitioned off by a curtain. It is needless to say Mr Froggatt's dress clothes did not leave their valise, but he at least obtained a truly intimate insight into Mexican life. On Saturday afternoon a new bell, presented to St. Paul's Cathedral, was solemnly dedicated by the Most Rev. the Primate. A goodly number of people, including members of the Cathedral Chapter, were present. Tho choir and clergy proceeded from the vestry to the new belfry erected in the Cathedral grounds. Two suitable hymns wore sung, Mr Heywood, F.R.G.0., accompanying them on the organ. Prayers were offered, and the Primate delivered a short address.