West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1889.

West Coast Times, Issue 7535, 30 October 1889, Page 2

West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1889.

A case recently heard in the Magistrate's Court, Dunedin, is of very great importance to consignees. Neill & Co., Limited, the well known merchants, sued tbe Shaw Saville- Albion Company for the value of two boxes of tobacco pillaged from the Coptic. Out of a shipment of 35 cases of tobacco, shipped from New York via London, two cases when landed were found each to have one box short. The defence was that as the tobacco passed through -various hands, the onus of proving where exactly the loss occurred, lay on the plaintifiß. This was upheld by the magistrate, who remarked in his judgment : " To sheet a case home to the defendant company, it must be proved that the pilfering took place while the tobacco was in its custody ; and this has not been done," That the pillaging had taken place before the goods had landed there could be no doubt, the condition of the cases having attracted the attention of the railway officials before they were taken from the trucks. The liability would thus seem to be nairowed down to the two carrying services. The bill of lading given by the France, the steamer running from New York to London, was sufficient to stamp its liability, and that liability was taken over by the Coptic when it accepted the transhipment of che goods. If the decision of the Dunedin Magistrate is good law there is practically no redress when two carriers are concerned in the delivery of goods, unless by some chance the condition, when delivered by one to the other, can be ascertained. This, it is hardly necessary to point out, is scarcely ever possible. The practice hitherto has been to regard the last carrier as responsible. The shipper sends the goods on board in good order and condition, and the bill of lading is a document carefully prepared to show the esact liability of the ship. When taken from one ship to another it is presumed that the liability has not. altered in the slightest degree, that is iD so far as the powers of the owner of the goods to recover from loss are con* cerned. Mr Carew's decision does not reverse this principle but it practically sets it aside by imposing a condition upon the consignee which in fact it is almost impossible for him to fulfil. Whether the law thus interpreted is sound or not, it is very much to be hoped that steps will be taken to procure the decision of a higher Court so that both consignees and shipowners may understand their real position.

The third half. holiday, in the list of many more to follow, has come round, and with it delightful weather. Those who belong to the First Westland Rifles are reminded that class firing will take place at the butts, commencing at two o'clock, while also practice for volley and independent firing will be held. On CaBS Square there will be a cricket match, rounders, croquet and other sports. The cricket match, which commences at two o'clock will be between sides chosen by Messrs Cross and Coltman, and, as before, no doubt, an enjoyable game will result. Sides will be picked on the ground. Teams will also be arranged there for the various games of rounders. The croquet teams, of three aside, will be arranged from the following : — Messrs Fowler, King, Will, Duncan, Nicholson and Captain Bignell. This game will , attract considerable attention. As before, the fire-bell will announce the closing hour, out o'clock. I

The ordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee will be held at the Education Board rooms, at 8 o'clock to-morrow evening.

Cadets are reminded of the parade to be held this evening at half-past 7 o'clock.

The following story is told of the late Thomas Trumble, of Invercargill. Trutnble, in those days, lived in primitive fashion, in a hut on his run near the Molyneaux. That was 30 years ago. A neighbor, on his travels, once dropped in to dinner. During the repast, Trumble suddenly jumped up from his Beat and seizing the carving fork darted into an adjoining room where the guest could hear him plunging the steel into the wooden wall. By-and-by he returned, and said in a tone of some disappointment, "Divil a one did I stick." He explained as he stuck the fork in the meat that he had been endeavoring to fork a rat or two — that vermin over-running the house. The guest offered up a silent thanksgiving, as he cut another slice, that his host was such an uncommonly bad shot with a fork.

A special parade of the First Westland Rifles is called for Thursday ne^fc, afc eight o'clock p.m., when every member is requested to be present, as final arrangements are to be made for attending the Kumara review on the 9th November.

The annual meeting of the Hokitika Union Cricket Club was held at the Red Lion Hotel last evening. Mr Tarleton was in the chair. A greater number of members were present than have attended the usual annual meetings. The following were elected officers ; — President : Hon J. A. Bonar ; Vice-presi-dents: Messrs Tarleton, Mandl, W. 0Fendali; H. L. Robinson, Rev J. E. Blackburne and H. L. Michel ; Mr D. J. Evans waa appointed secretary and treasurer ; and Messrs Coltman, Glasgow, Scanlon, Gibson and Tennant were elected a committee. A hearty vote of thanks was recorded to the retiring secretary and treasurer. The subscription was reduced to 7s 6d. Several new members were elected, and the date of the opening match was fixed for the 6th prox. sides to be chosen by the president and Ml'M 1 ' Tarleton.

Owing to a paragraph, which, appeared in the Grey Argus of the 28th inst, stating that Inspector Goodall, as head of the Police Department, was to be removed from this town and permanently located at Greymouth, his Worship the Mayor wired yesterday to the Hon. the Minister of Justice and Messrs Grimm ond and Seddon, M.H.R.'s. The telegram 'was as follows : — " Currently reported here, •and Grey Argus of 28th October states that shortly the head of the Police Department is to be shifted to Greymouth, and Inspector Goodall will take up his abode there permanently. Please state if correot. Up to the present, however, no answer has arrived.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Major Xeddell, R.M., J. Smith O'Brien sued his former mates George O'Brien and W. Logan, in the sum of £5 each, balance alleged to be owing on sale of mining shares. Mr Park appeared for plaintiff and Mr Purkies for defendants. After hearing the evidence of plaintiff, his counsel elected to take a non-suit. The only other case was an information against a young man for abiasive and threatening language, the accused being fined.

With his usual , enterprise Mr Renton is importing largely in almost every depart, mem; of his trade, including, amongst others, a great variety ol' novelties. With present importations and ; goods now on the water, he will have the mos/j varied stock on the Coast.

Canon Selwyn , the administrator of the Diocese of Newmsble, has telegraphed to the Bishop o£ Adelaide that he had obtained the opinion of Mr S . E. Salomons, Q. 0., and Sir William Manning, on the question of the election, of Citnon Saumarez Smith to the Bishopric of Sydney. His opinion is strongly in support of the contention that the election is illegal, and Canon Selwyn states that a petition similar to that which is to go from the Bishop of Adelaide, will be sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury praying him to defer the consecration of Canon Smith till the xaatter is definitely Bettled. Information has also been received thut Archdeacon Hales, the administrator of the Dioceso of Tasmania, called together lately the representatives of the Diocese at. the G-eneral Synod, in order to obtain their opinions on the subject. These gentlemen, including Mr Tarlton, who is chairman o£ the committee' of the General Synod, passed a resolution in which they thoroughly supported the action of the bishops who protested against the> manner of the election of Oanon Smith.'

For many years past (says the Adelaide Advertiser]! the Forest Department haa been in the habit of gratuitously distributing young trees for planting in various parts of the colony, particularly the agricultural districts. This practice has had the authority of. Parliament. Every year a sum af £300 is placed on the Estimates for the purpose of " raising trees for distribution to corporate boiiies» farmers, and others." The effect which t'lhis vote has had in encouraging tree-planting' is remarkable. Many country towns, formerly bare and unpictriresque in their appearance, have been rendr jred positively beautiful by the trees whi ch now adorn, their streets and open spaces. Farmers have also bee a induced to pay attention to arboriculture,, and have real ped benefit in many ways. Thecost to the department is estimated at afraotion ove c a farthing on the average for each tree g5 .yen away. TJp to June 30 laßt year the 'expenditure in this direction has amoumVad. to £2000 and it was known that 700,000; -of the trees distributed were alive and doing well, so that this 'addition to the colony's wealth has been secuired at an expense o£ little more than three farthings for eac'ii tree > that has survived tram (planting.

Mr B. H. Deck, Dentist, will \ risit Hokitika shortly.- -Advt. The b( 3st Remedy for Indigestio m.— Norton's Camomi le Pills are confidently H tecommended as a Sus iple Remedy for Indigeet ion, which is the can se of nearly all the diseas les *to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the " Natural . Strengthe aer of the Humai i Stomach," act as apowerf al tonic and gentle aperient, are mild in their operation, and sai Ec under any circumstances Sold in bottle* i, at 1b ljd., 2s 9d., 11s., by 1 Mc<?i. cine "V endora throughout the Wor) Id.

Mr Jellicoe writes as follows t o the Wellinglo »n papers: — "It has been r ©ported tc me tl tat a subscription has been set t on foot by the I talians to provide a fund for } payment of v Mr» Chemis's legal expenses. 1 1 herefore at ' once desire to aay that if any money is,' colic cted for the purpose, I wish. ife. 'applied for th* benefit of Mra Ghemis and h fti 1 children..

Mrs Chemis has had my sincere sympathy and under the circumstances I do not expect or look for any remuneration,

The recent election for Newcastle, N-S.W.^ was stubbornly fought on the aitople issue 'or Protection v. Freetrade, and resulted iri the return of Mr James Curley, the miners' secretary (who is a Freetrader), by 2173 to 2p22 recorded for Mr William Grahame, the late member, who is a Protectionist. Thiß was the first election under the Payment of Members Act. Mr Graha'tie, when elected, was third amongst the Protectionist candidates at the general election but was compelled to resign owing to financial difficulties. Several of the miners' lodges have, since the election, taken action with view to compel Mr Curley to reresign the secretaryship of the association, aB the {miners of the county of Northumberland are Protectionists, and disapprove of Mr Curley making their interests secondary to those of Freetrade.

The Auckland clergy representing all denominations, except the Roman Catholics* together with a number of medical men, held a conference on the social purity question and appointed a committee to investigate the proposals aad suggestions made, [and report to another meeting.

A recent cablegram to the Age says : — " A vigorous crusade has been initiated against the London music halls on account of their viciouß surroundings. In connection with the movement the leading dignitaries in London of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches are taking common action, the crusade being headed by Dr F. Temple, Bishop of Londonj and Cardinal Manning.''

At the Ensilage Conference, now sitting in j Melbourne, the following remarkable statement was agreed upon by all the practical men present as being a true representation of the facts : — The same fifty acres of green stuff that would produce two tons of hay altogether) at a cost of about £1 per ton for the making, would produce 300 tons of ensilage at 2s pet ton for the making ; and the 300 tons of enBilage when made would be worth at least double the amount'that the hay would be worth either for fattening or milk producing qualities, and worth many times as much as a summer fodder for milk cows. A cow cannot cat more of the ensilage than of hay in a day. Chance threw me in the way (says the London correspondent of the Manchester Courier) I of a Russian officer of the highest rank who

is at pressnt visiting this country, and who

attended the reviews at Portsmouth and Aldershot. He spoke on political subjects, and amongst other things said (I quote his words as near as possible) ; " You may rest assured of one thing, and that is that a war will break out much sooner than is imagined between Russia and Austria. I believe that Bismarck will shuffle out of the Triple Alliance on this occasion, and that possibly Italy will come to grief. England, Ido not think, will be dragged into it — unless, indeed, it is for the protection of her Indian dominions. But these will stand little or no danger in the conflict. Of course France will be allied with Russia." It is very unsatisfactory at the cricket match having to bowl to a man who squints. A trundler on a recent occasion took his little run. and was just about [to deliver a deadly ball to his opponent when he pulled up short, the batsman's eye being apparently engaged ia contemplating the beauties in the grand •tand. 'I beg your pardon,' yelled our trundler. 'Go ahead, I'm all right,' growled the striker, and away sped the ball, only to be immediately lifted to the boundary for a 'fourer' by the wall-eyed one. The next ball shared the same fate, and our unfortunate friend at once 'took himself off,' vowing that never again would he bowl a ball to any man who couldn't look him straight in the face. We (Fielding Star) have it on excellent authority that Mr Potts, manager of the Raumai Station, Rangitikei, which comprises 7500 acres of flax land, has written to Mr Keiller, his principal in Scotland, his intention to dispose of the whole of the cattle on the estate, about 3000 head, and to cultivate flax. There are already several large mills on the run. This decision opens a new prospect for the holders of cattle, who will realise in it another reason why values should be maintained. A meeting of the Painters' Union was held in the Coffee Palace Dunedin and was attended by about twenty members, the president (Mr J Knowles) in the chair. The question of taking part in the procession on the opening day of the Exhibition was discussed, and it was resolved — " That one of the chief aims of our society being the protection of our interests as painters, we cannot as members of such a society take any part in the Exhibition opening ceremony, owing to the fact that the rate of wages paid to painters employed at the building was 4s or 5s less than the current rate, thus directly injuring us as skilled tradesmen. 1 ' Letters received by the la9t mail give very favourable accounts of the health of the Con-troller-General (Mr Fitzgerald), who is described as having improved surprisingly during his trip Home, and as being " Wonderfully well " since he reached England. Tery odd facts come out from time to tim« in reference to the life of school teachers in the Auckland district. A case came before the Board lately where a teacher was attending two half time sohools, one on each side of the harbor. He had throughout the winter to pull from one side to the other, getting com. pletly wet through on the average twice a week until he had contracted rheumatism. He dare not put on waterproof clothing, in case of the boat capsizing in stormy weather, and thus prevent him from swimming. After he did reach the shore, he Jhad then ,fco walk or ride three miles to the schools. He prayed the Board to remove him to another plaoe. It was resolved to consult the Committee as to the advisability of making the schools full time schools, and appointing female teachers to them so as'to avoid the risk of life and extreme discomfort involved in male teachers pulling across the harbor in the winter time.

The Catholic Times states that the Pope's brief creating the Hon. Dr {Grace a Count of the Holy Roman Empire has been received in Wellington. The title is made hereditary, under certain conditions, in the direct male line. The same authority also states that His Holiness has created Mr John Cumin, of Wellington, a Knight Commander (commendatore) of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

To;iuyjgoi'ate the system and rectify irregularities of the bowels, dr?nk Wolfe's

>CH . , »* 4 ]mngfe" r W.Viing busineßs^viajie Warden's v tpfe inforn^ed'that J^^.^orfchcroft will preoarg ' 9sqii& the hearing ana fcb.taiii certificates, for.^ep of 5a each application besides Court feet^i-ADV

Entombed in tho depth' ef a dense scrub to the rear of the Brighton estate, at Sandgate, and living a life of primitive savagery, a 3£f enchtnftp, named Gj-erjna,in Dubroca (fami1 jjrfly apblrtn of ifa thd vicinity as,'' Gteorge ") ', fyb dwell in awnpst aDSQlufce solitude during $te papt five years. In a 4qq> chiefly constructed of old packing cases, tins and brushwood, this lonely man leads a life of wretchedness and want not even approached in misery by that of the Queensland aboriginalBurdened with some awful mental trouble — his life secret — he made his habitation in the scrub five years ago, and has borne his sorrow with a reserve which has up till now baffled all attempts at penetration, During this selMmposed sojourn in the wilderness he has taught himself the art of basket making — the necessary canes growing thickly all around him — and the product of his industry in this direction has supplied him the means of a precarious existence, although to secure even this he frequently toils for 16 hours a day. The scanty glimpses gained into the past history of this modern Ismael revealed him to have been a man of the highest culture and refinement, who speaks four different languages weM, who paints and engraves on wood with an excellence of execution seldom seen in the colonies, and who has been a professor of classics in a New York university. Subsequently, forsaking academic pursuits for commerce, he became deeply imbued with the gambling spirit of the age — the pursuit of wealth. As the representative of a large Paris house of manufacturing jewellers he visited the exhibitions of London, Philadelphia, Sydney and Melbourne. At the close of the ratter, in 1882, he determined, in the interests of his employers, to tour Queensland and sell his exhibits. On this mission intent, he arrived in Rockhampton, and there his

memory became a blank. He has vague,

chaotic recollection of a long illness, of slowly leturning consciousness finding him in the hospital, and of the irretrievable loss of his money and goods. From Rockhampton he walked to Sandgate via Bundaberg, the isis Bcrub and Maryborough, working at the various plantations by the way, until he reached the spot which for five long years has been to him at once a habitation and a grave. Bodily comfort is the accompaniment of healthful vigour, and it will return when ■yToiiFß's Schnapps is employed.