TELEGRAMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2005, 14 February 1907, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Press Association. PALMERSTON N-, yesterday. In tho District Court Henry yColes sued John McKenzie for LloO damages for slander, arising out or remarks by defendant concerning, plaintiff’s financial position. McKenzie owed abput £IOO . for bets and declined to pay. alleging if ho had won plaintiff could not pay. The jurv awarded £l3O. AVELLINGTON, yestorday. A leaflet has boon issued by the Register-General, showing the movement of population for tho years 1002 to 1900. In 1902 tho population of New Zealand was 507,929, being an increase on the previous year's figures of 20,272. In 1903 tho total population of the coionv had risen to 532.505; in 1904 to 857.589; in 1905 to 882,462; and in 1906 to 908,718. Tho excess of births over deaths last year was 15,913, and the net gain in population for tho twelve months 25,761. In the year 1902 tho net increase from abroad, after deducting the number of persons who left New Zealand, was 7792, and in 1903 11,275. In 1904 tlio excess of arrivals over departures fell a little, being 10,355 persons, and in 1905, still further, 9302; but tho year 1906 shows the largest increase of all, tho arrivals being 12,848 persons over the departures. In five years New Zealand has gained, according to tho returns, 51,772 persons from abroad, mostly from Australia and the Home country, after deducting those who departed outwards. The natural increaso of births over deaths is considerable, on account of the low death rate, and shows a steady rise over each of tho five years dealt with in the _table. Tho total excess of births is 71,794 for the quinquennium under observation. NELSON, yesterday. A slight shock of oarthquake occurred here at 7.55 last evening. CHRISTCHURCH, yesterday. _ The dontal conference opened this morning at the college hall, when 51 delegates were present, and a large number of members enrolled. The president (Mr F. AY. Thompson) briefly welcomed the visiting delegates'. A motion of condolence was passed on tho deaths of Mr Armstrong, who might be called the pioneer dentist, and Mr Collins, the Association’s lato secretary. Mention was also made of the death of Mr AVardrop, senr., at Dunedin. The question of a dental hospital was brought up and freely discussed. The members and tlieir wives were entertained bv the president at a reception at the Exhibition, and the presidential address was delivered in the evening. , _ , Speaking at the Dental Conference, tho Hon. Geo. Fowlds, Minister of Public Health, said he hoped that before long something would bo done in the direction of a compulsory exanimation of the teeth of school children, also a properly equipped Dental Department would be attached to all the large hospitals of the colony. Thirty-eight applications were received for workmen’s dwellings at Sydenham. „ The Minister for Education was interviewed by a deputation from the Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and promised to do his best to have a voto put on the estimates this year to subsidise_ the revenue of the principal societies o. the colony. . , . ... . A fire at Kaiapoi last night etestroved a seven-roomed house owned and occupied by Mr Blakely. The inmates were abed, and wakened to find the house in flames. The fire was sooif'beyond the efforts of the brigade. The house was insured tor £250 and the furniture for £loo, both in the New Zealand office. Tlio Coroner to-day held an official enquiry into the circumstances of the fire in tho Exhibition on February sth. The fire occurred in Sargood, Son, and Ewen s bay. A Sirl attendant was showing a lady an electric-lit transparency, illustrating corsets, when the drapery took fare. The fire was extinguished soon, but a good deal of _ damage was done. Evidence is being taken as to the efficiency and safety of the electric installation. , TT .„. In the Supreme Court William Zimmerman was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for carnal knowledge of a girl under 16 years. Accused said the girl told him she was 19 years old. He was willing to marry her. His Honor said he had carefully considered the case. It was his duty to enforce the law, ancl make it known by enforcing it. He had punished Maoris for the same offence, and it was much more necessary in the case of Europeans. J. C. Bagnall, for forgery and uttering, was sentenced to two years, and declared an habitual offender. Under the terms of the Act an 9rder was made that on .expiry of his sentence he be kept in a reformatory in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Wm. Knight was charged with breaking and entering at Riccarton. The chief evidence was a finger print found on the premises entered. The case is proceeding. A trial has been successful of a new meat brand invented by Mr G. AV Russell and Mr Gilbert Anderson Tho British Government forbids the branding of meat imported with any kind of ink, and the object of the inventors is to provide a brand to meet the Government requirements and be effective, lhe brand is a device embossed on a mallet, and the mallet is struck on the carcase. The sheep experimented on was placed for 36 hours jn the freezer and came out with the brand as perfectly fresh as when struck. INVERCARGILL, yesterday. It is reported from W.ajroa that a farmer named Jolin Devanney was knocked down and robbed of nearly £25 after he had been drinking at a hotel. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Patrick Finn, who is accused by Devanney. A house owned by Robert Sands, at South AVinjton, was completely burned. The insurances qye £IOO on the furniture and £IOO op the house, in the Commercial. DUNEDIN, yesterday. At the Supreme Court the case of P. J. Shanks v, the Dunedin and Roslyn Tram Company, claim £504 for injuries alleged to have been sustained on the company’s property on September 18, was concluded, judgment was given for the full amount claimed. o A five roomed house near Lawrence has been destroyed by fire. Mrs Lee (the owner and occupier) and three children narrowly escaped with their lives. Tho house and furniture wero insured for £SO. • ... At the Congregational Union there was a good deal of dissatisfaction on a proposal to appoint an organising secretary as soon as £6OO for three years is guaranteed. The motion was carried. The registrar s report showed there were 2241 members, and 2633 children at Sunday schools connected with the churches, the increase in each instance being well. A report by Mr Cardcw, of Bydnoy, on the. Drainage Board scheme, estimates tlio cost of-the work at an additional £266,942,, making tlio total cost £466,942. He advocates the remodolling of tlio city sewerage, and the adoption of the Liernur system and suction pimping for the flat. He also recommends that the drainage scheme be placed under tho. control of the city engineer.

WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. The 22nd annual convention of tho New Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union opened this afternoon, when there was a large attendance of delegates. Miss Roberts presided. The Hon. Geo. Fowkls, Minister for Education, who was present, said that he looked upon' the work and workers of the Union as part of the educational system of New Zealand. He had the greatest respect for the work which had been done by the Union, not only in Now Zealand, but in other parts of the world. The Hon. G. J. Smith welcomed the delegates on behalf of the public of Christchurch, and addresses were delivered by Bishop Julius and others. A letter of apology was read for the absence of the Mayor (Sir Joseph Hall) from the convention. The letter stated that Sir John took the deepest interest in the Union’s work, and would always remember with pleasure tho work he did in conjunction with tho Union in obtaining tho Parliamentary franchise for the women of Now Zealand. Miss Roberts said that the Union remembered with pleasure Sir John Hall’s help when they were fighting for that just reform. . Tho convention will continue throughout the week, HEAR TOBACCO. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. William Dawson, belonging to the Rimutake, and _ J as. Duffey, were charged at the Magistrates Court, . Lyttelton, to-day, with concealing a quantity of uncustomed tobacco and cigars. The Bench fined Dawson £27 and Duffy £lO, but reduced these amounts to onc-fourtli, making £6 15s and costs 7s in tho case of Dawson and £2 10s and costs is in JPuffoy’s case.

FIRE AT EXHIBITION. CHRISTCUURCII. last night. At the inquiry held to-dav into tho circumstances connected with the recent outbreak of fire at Sargood, Son and Ewen’s stall at the Exhibition, the following verdict was returned “This jury is of opinion that the fire was caused from tho drapery coming into contact with tlio arm of tlio contour of the rhoastnt, and we consider that the motor mid the rheostat should have been protected with perforated zinc. AYe wish to add the rider to the offoct that groat credit is duo to Air D. C. Mclntyre and Gunner Rodgors for the prompt manner in which they dealt with the situation, and a further rider that the space in which tlio mechanism was worked was certainly too small.”

CONGREGATIONAL UNION. DUNEDIN, last night. Tho Congregational Union has appointed the Rov. Saunders, of Dunedin, president. The other officers are: Secretary, J. I’. Hoqton; treasurer, AY. H. Lyon; registrar, G. Hunt; auditor, C. Campbell; preacher for next council mooting, Rev. AA f . S. Formic. It was resolved to ask tho Rov. Frank Nieliol to edit tlio Congregational Church nows, in the space allotted in the Outlook, the proposal for the issue of a denominational news sheet being withdrawn.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS. NAPIER, last night. The annual Caledonian sports meeting was held to-day. Tlio weather was fino and the attendance largo. In tho running events F. Mclntyre, P. O’Sliannassoy, D. Sanson, A. Campbell, and J. C. Boyd won the 120, 220, 440, 880 yards, and one mile handicaps respectively, all tho times being fast. The cycling races wero well contested. In tlio one mile championship I). Wyatt beat George Sutherland. ’ The handicaps resulted as follows: Quarter mile, ono mile, and two miles: P. Eddy, G. Southland. and Bleampion respectively. In tlio piping events J. McKechnio was most successful, and in the dancing T. H. Jeffcrys and J. McKechnie shared the prizes.

NEAV ZEALAND INSURANCE CO. AUCKLAND, last night. 'The annual meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company was held to-day, tlio Hon. Soymour T. George, the chairman of directors, presiding. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said the affairs of the company wore in a satisfactory position. The losses for the year (apart from the San Francisco losses) were £316,749. which was fairly normal. The profit on underwriting amounted to £59,038. The amount of the San Francisco losses, according to the latest advices, reached £285,694, which the directors suggest should be met in tho following manner : First, by transferring to this account the balance of profit and loss account £137,967, also £15,000 from the investment fluctuation account, which was derived from tlie excess obtained on a scale of properties during tlio year. It was also proposed to transfer £30,000 from tlie unearned premium account (this having been over provided in previous years), and to transfer from the reserve fund the sum of £120,485. These sums together amount, to £303,452, which, after paying the San Francisco losses of £285,694, will leave a credit balance of £17,757 16s lid, out of which the directors advise the payment of a dividend of ten per cent, on shares numbered 3 to 125,000, which will absorb £12,500, leaving to carry forward to new account £5257 16s lid. The balance sheet showed paid up capital of £300,000 with a remainder of uncalled capital amounting to £1,200,000; also a reserve fund of £120,000 and reinsurance fund of £200,000, thus leaving the company in a strong financial position. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet was carried unanimously. The retiring directors, Messrs T. Buddie, M. A. Clark, and H.. Horton, were re-elected without opposition. On the motion of Mr J. M. Mennie, it was resolved that a yearly sum of £2OOO be paid to the directors for their services. Messrs J. Denniston and J. F. Buddie were elected auditors.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL INTERVIEAVED. NEAV PLYMOUTH, yesterday. Interviewed to-day by a' News reporter, Dr. Findlay, Attorney-Gene-ral, said tlie Chief Justice predicts good results from the Native Commission. Progress in Hawke’s Bay with all persons, said Dr. Findlay, acting strenuously and enthusiastically as appears to be the attitude at present there, who expect most of the Commission’s work will not be disappointed. Questioned regarding the Land Bill campaign ho would only say that Mr McNab was conducting tlie campaign with a strenuousness and success that rendered it unnecessary for any other Minister to take the platform at present, but later on all Ministers would assist. On the subject of secret commissions Dr. Findlay said it seemed quite clear from what had already transpired that the evils of the secret commission system were widely enough spread in this colony to call for some check. He referred to the Australian and English Acts on the subject, the latter of which penalised by imprisonment or fine any agent who corruptly takes secretly a commission in connection with tho principals in the business, and in the same way penalise any person who induces an agent to corruptly receive such commission. He was making further inquiry on tho subject in New Zealand in the interests of commercial morality, and, if, as he anticipated, there is justification for a law similar to that on the English Statute Book being passed, he will advise the Cabinet to introduce such legislation this incoming session.

A STRANGE EPISODE. AUCKLAND, last night. A curious church episode occurred at St. Matthew’s this morning (Ash AVednesday), When the vicar entered the Church to conduct service he was informed by the verger that a man had taken possession of the sanctuary. It appears that a young man had gone into the chancel, had decked himself out with a white “stole,” and was sitting in the bishop’s chair. ' Tho verger had tried to get him to leave, but he would neither move from the chancel nor answer any questions. A policeman arrived, and after much persuasion the man was go out of Church, the man protesting that ho had a right to preach to the people when the bell rang. The man appears to be mentally deranged, and the police have him now in custody. Owing to tho interruption the service could not be held-

THE LAND BILL. AIASTERTON, last night. Messrs. J. C. Cooper, D. Crewe, and W. B. Matlieson, _ representatives of the Farmers’ Union, addressed a meeting on the Land Bill from a freehold point of view to-night. At tho. conclusion of tho meeting the following resolution was carried unanimously:—“That this meeting is of opinion that) no Land Bill will bo satisfactory to this colony that refuses the option of right of purchase to Crown tenants who hold their land under close settlement conditions.” RIFLE ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Up to the present 325 entries have been received for tlie adult matches at .tlie South Island Rifle Association’s Meeting, to bo held next week, and 200 entries for the cadet competitions. It was anticipated that theso numbers will bo largely augmented by post entries, especially in the ease of the cadets. . BANDS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. A meeting of delegates from various bands throughout the colony was held this afternoon, when a motion was adopted affirming the desirability of forming a New Zealand, Bands Association. Tho annual meeting of the North Island Bands Association was held subsequently, when the matter was referred to the executive to take steps to carry the proposal into effect.

MISCELLANEOUS. DUNEDIN, last night. Tho annual meeting of .shareholders in the AVest Port Coal Coy. was held to-day. The report and balance sheet were adopted. A dividend of 3s 6d per share, and a bonus of 3s 6d per share were declared. Messrs. R. Hay and G. L. Denniston were reelected directors. The foundation stone of the Free Public Library for Dunedin was laid to-day by tho Mayor. Special reference was made to Andrew Carnegie’s bounty in donating a sum of £IO,OOO for the purpose. It is expected in six months’ time the building will bo ready for furnishing. The Congregational Union will meet at AA’ellington next year. Regarding grants from sites, it was decided that interest in tho future be 6 per cent., 3 per cent, of which to be a sinking fund. In regard to new grants, the sinking fund percentage not to bo charged till the end of two years,

CHRISTCHURCH, last night. At tho Supremo Court to-day AVm. Knight was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment on a charge of breaking and entering and tlioft of jewellery to tlie value of £6o.—Georgo AVliito, a tramway conductor, was arraigned on a charge of perjury.. Tho charge was based on the evidence given by accused when an information was laid against him in an affiliation ease at tho Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, on Docombor 11. Tho jury failed to agree, and the second trial was fixed for Monday. DUNEDIN .last night. A. Downes lias consented to play in both the tost matches against tlio English cricketers.

GREYMOUTII, last night. The AYest Coast Trade and Labor Council is holding its annual conference in town. Twenty delegates are present. Tho president, Mr Foster, presented tlio annual roport, which was of a satisfactory nature. Tho following officers were elected for the ensuing year: l’rosidont, J. Foster; vice-president, G. Newton; secretary, Henry Betts; treasurer, Mr Turk; trustees, Messrs Harney and Young. The conference is likely to last for a week. Mrs Soddon, who is at present on a visit to Groymouth, received a cablegram yesterday, announcing that Mr Soddon, M.H.R., had passed his socond section of tho LLB. examination. Air Soddon is at present on a visit to AA’ilherforce, Reefton, and will not return to Hokitika before Saturday.

BAND CONTEST. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Tho following arc tho results of the band competitions to-day : Euphoniums: AV. J. Stains (Granity), 96 points 1, AY. Hickman (Wanganui Garrison), 94 points, and R. J. Estalo (AA’oolston), 94 points (equal) 2. G bass trombones: J. Cnniming iDenniston), 91 points 1, J. Sutherland Ist Infantry, Auckland), SO points, 2; A. J. Stewart (Dunedin Citizens). 70 points 3. Side drums A. Jacobs (Lyttelton Marine), 97 points, 1 ; C. Cooper (Wanganui Garrison), 95 points, 2. Tenor horns : C. Hansen (Nelson Garrison), 93 points, 1; R. Green (Morniligton Brass Band), S 7 points, 2; G. AA’ilson (AVoolston), 84 points, 3; C. Forrest (Wanganui Garrison), 82 points and G. I’. Kelly (Invercargill Garrison), 82 points (equal), 4. Flugol horns: T. Bauchop (Ivaikori), 90 points, 1; P. Cole (Jupp Band), 82 points. 2.

SLAUGHTERMAN’S STRIKE. Press Association. AVELLINGTON, yesterday. The slaughtermen’s strike continues. The men say the}’ are not prepared to make any overtures, and that there can bo no half-way house. Mr. Miller, Minister for Labor, interviewed on tlio subject, said the Department had endeavored to point out to tlie men the folly of their conduct. The law must be observed. The law made specific provision for preventing anything of tho kind that had taken place. The blame in this case appeared to rest entirely with tho men, and he was going to take advice of the Crown law officers with a view to bringing tlie matter before the Court, which will be sitting here within a week or ten days. Both the Unions and individual members of the Union will be included in any proceedings taken. The reports of the officers of his Department showed that a large number of Australians were included in the strike, and they openly avowed that they did the same in Melbourne, and got an increase of five shillings a hundred. This might be justified in Australia, but when they came to New Zealand they must observe the law. The slaughtermen this afternoon refused an offer from tlio meat companies of 22s per hundred, adhering to their demand for 255. A further meeting of tho men is now being held. Mr. H. A. Cooper, secretary of tlio Butchers’ Union, says he did not knew the men intended to leave tlieir work. The Union met on Monday evening to consider the employers’ replies to certain claims, and the replies were considered satisfactory. The men were not prepared to wait for the Arbitration Court to settle the matter, because the season will be over before tlie Court sits. A motion was carried unanimously, that the secretary take the necessary steps to cancel tlie registration ofthe Union under the Arbitration Act, so as to give the men the legal right to strike. Air. Cooper says one of the men’s claims is for payment for waiting time, which at times amounts to half an hour or three-quarters of an hour. The men get employment for only about seven months each year. Mr. Cooper adds that a few months ago tlie men were earning £6 or £7 a week, but now tho average rate for 12 months is considerably less than an ordinary laborer would earn. On the other hand,, employer asserts that working from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m., with time off for three meals, the men could now earn £6 to £7 per week for six months yearly, and could then go tP Australia and find the season there waiting. Mr. Mackay, chief clerk of the Labor Department, sent an inspector of awards to point out to the men tlieir position in the face of tlie law, and to counsel pacific measures. The employers have offered if the men will resume work that they will guarantee to make retrospective, any new award which tlio Arbitration Court may make. . . Tho slaughtermen say the decision of tlie men is quite different from the Union, which has for nearly three weeks past done all it could t'o get improved conditions for its members. They wanted the rate per 100 sheep or lambs killed raised from 20s to 255, no overtime to be worked, work to cease at 12 o’clock on Saturdays, and dead sheep to be paid for at the rate of 6d instead of 5d each. The 25s rate, it was stated, prevails in three of the Australian States, while in other places a bonus system prevailed, or “tucker” was provided. The request of 6d for “fixing-up dead sheep really had for its object the non-handling of these sheep at all, as men did not want them. It frequently happened that a slaughter man had a cut on his liana, and it was a very simple matter for bloodpoisoning to be caused, for it was never known’ whether the sheep had died from accident or in transit to tlie work. The industry as a whole was prosperous, and the workers thought they should have a share in its prosperity, seeing that the cost of living had gone up in every respect. They only got a few months work m the year, and it was only fair that they should Be given tlie chance or making a fair wage during that time. There had been a hint, said one spokesman, that' men from Australia, a number of whom always find their way here for the slaughtering season, were at* the bottom of the present trouble, but that! was nob the case; in fact, in tho Australian States where tlie 25s rate obtained, it was the New Zealand men who had stuck out for that wage in the first place, and got it. , „ . The crisis affects the Gear Meat Company and the AVellington Aleat Export Company. The employers say that on tho 23rd tlie Slaughterman s Union made a demand for 2os per hundred all round, overtime to be avoided if possible, but to be carried on where absolutely necessary. Tho propose 'drates, it is pointed out, are considerablv in advance of those paid in Canterbury, which are: Freezers 20s, boners los, potters 12s 6d, 2s 6d extra for freezers after 5 .p.m., and Is 6d for others, work to be stopped at 4 p.m. on Saturdavs, and a bonus of Is a day to bo paid. An award for two years has been entered into on these terms. Tlie employers further point out that the AVellington freezing companies, although paying higher rates, are charging farmers exactly the same rates as are ruling in Canterbury. However, tlie men declined the offer, and the employers suggested that the matter should be nut before the Arbitration Court.. Yesterday morning the men turned out. and said they would not resume work under 25s per hundred. . The employers ,as soon as possible, interviewed Mr. Alackay, chief clerk of the Labor Department, who sent out an inspector of awards to point out to the men tho position in which they had placed themselves, to explain the Act to them, and to endeavor to arrange a. satisfactory basis on which work should bo resumed. The employers have meanwhile offered if the men resume work to pay as from yesterday anv rate of pay which the Arbitration Court may fix when it hears the dispute. The” agreement under which the men are working was made oil August 1. 1904, and expired on August 1. 1906, but, of course, under the Act, continues in force until a new agreement is arrived at or an award raven by tlie Court, i 1 iiiaily the employers state that they have every hope that the matter will be fixed up immediately. WELLINGTON, last night. Tho slaughtermen have adopted an ultimatum for delivery to employers, but its terms have not been divulged, and up to a late hour tonight the employers had received no communication from the men. It is currently expected that the men will take 23s por hundred,