TRADE TOPICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 455, 13 April 1899, Page 18

TRADE TOPICS.

Mr S. E. Hedlund, of the Ohaeawai Hotel, left Auckland on Monday night by the Waihora for an extended tour. Mr Hedlund visits the Australian colonies, and will then go Home via the Suez Canal. He will remain in England a few weeks, and then, after visiting Stockholm, will commence the return journey to New Zealand. Stockholm is Mr Hedlund’s native place, and it is just twenty-eight years since he left for the colonies.

Dublin stout, to the extent of 368,628 hogsheads, was shipped during 1868. This output shows a decrease of 8619 hogsheads from the export of 1897.

Mr George Loram, of Opitonui, is giving notice that at the next meeting of the Thames Licensing Bench he will apply for a certificate for a license for the Commercial Hotel at Opitonui.

Mr A., Crossey applied for his discharge in bankruptcy on Monday, but as the Official Assignee opposed the application was adjourned.

The following extract is culled from the report of the committee appointed to inquire into Law Reform in Victoria Licensing Court. We recommend that authority should be given to one licensing magistrate to deal with all applications for leave of absence, applications for certificates for lost licenses, and unopposed {applications for transfers. We recommend that, if no notice of objection be lodged, renewals should be issued from the Treasury as of course, and without any certificate from the Licensing Court.”

A French agricultural journal gives the method by which a vine-grower of Touraine is said to produce magnificent grapes. He .dissolves two kilogrammes of sulphate of iron in 100 litres of water, and sprinkles it on the leaves and bunches of the vines. The first application Is made when the grapes ate about one-third their full size, the second about a month later, and the third about twenty days before they are cut. It is asserted that corresponding results are obtained with pears, apples, and cherries. The method is inexpensive, and the journal quoted recommends a trial, though it does not guarantee the success of the treatment in all cases.

It is alleged by one set of critics that the Scotch whisky trade is completely demoralised, > while it is asserted with equal emphasis by another that the trade is thoroughly sound. With the pessimists the suspension of - Pattisons (Limited) is regarded as the first symptom of a coming crash of exceptional magnitude, while optimists consider this suspension as a mere ephemeral incident that might have occurred at any time. Amid such a conflict of testimony the uninitiated public, who are largely interested in limited liability companies engaged in the whisky trade, hardly knew what to think. — Glasgow Herald.

On Monday, at the meeting of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, Dr. G. P. Baldwin, medical superintendent of the hospital, in accordance with a motion tabled by Mr J. E. TaylOr, asking information, submitted the following comparative table, showing the consumption of stimulants by patients at the institution during the past four years:—Number of prescriptions— 1895-96 : Port, 2333 ; sherry, 10; brandy, 3557^-: gin, 0; whisky, 319 J ; ale, 36 ; champagne, 21. 1896-97: Port, 2224; sherry, 19; brandy, 3906; gin, 84 ; whisky, 577 J; ale, 59; champagne, 22i 1897-98: Port, 1045; sherry, 0; brandy, 2795 J; gin, 135; whiskey, 449; ale, 108; champagne, 37. 1898-99: port, 7456 J ; sherry, 40; brandy, 7715; gin, 44; whisky, 1590 ; ale, 322; champagne, 22. In addition to the above stimulants, claret was prescribed on eight occasions during the year 189899. The medical superintendent pointed out that the year 1897-98 was an extraordinary one as far as the small quantity of stimulants used was concerned, while as regarded the present year, he could only say that none had been issued except on requisition of those in charge of the cases. Mr Taylor said the table did not convey what he wanted to know, and that was how the medical superintendent accounted for the marked increase—something like 20Q per cent—in the.use of stimulants during 1898-99 over the preceding year. After some discussion on the matter it was resolved to consider the whole question at the next ordinary meeting.

On Monday a large number of the friends of Mr Adam Cairns assembled at Kidd’s Commercial Hotel to present him with an illuminated, address as a token of their respect and esteem. In making the presentation, Mr J. J. Holland, M.H.R., said that the gathering of old friends was sure to be gratifying to Mr Cairns. During his career in Auckland he had proved his ability and sterling worth, and he had the good wishes of all for a safe and happy trip to the Old Country. The address, which was tastefully illuminated by Mr Gulliver, read:—“To Mr Adam Cairns, Auckland, New Zealand, April 8, 1899. Dear Sir, —On the eve of your departure for England, after a residence in this colony, of 36 years, we, the undersigned friends and citizens of. Auckland, desire to show our appreciation of your sterling qualities, both as a citizen and as a councillor of the City of Auckland. We wish to recognise the services so freely rendered by you in the latter capacity during the time you have held the position. Wishing you a pleasant trip, and that you may return from the Old Country in good health, we beg to remain, yours sincerely,—John Mowbray, W. Mowbray, P. A. Phillips, Peter Dignan (exMayor), Jas. Carroll, M.H.R., Frank Lawry, M.H.R., J. J. Holland, M.H.R., W. Crowther, M.H.R-, T. W. Jennings, M.L.C-, W. Kelly, M.L.C’, Arthur Myeis, F. E. Baume, A. Kidd, Chas. Grey, A. E. Whittaker, Jas. Stichbury, L. D. Nathan, H. G. Wade, Chas. Hesketh, W. Arthur, W. H. Churton, T. T. Masefield, W. C. Walker, J. W. Walker, Campbell and Ehrenfried Brewery {Company, Great Northern Brewery Company.” Mr Cairns replied in feeling terms, thanking his friends for their kindness, and hoped to return to them much the better for the sea voyage. A large number of friends assembled at the wharf to give Mr and Mrs Cairns a last good-bye.