The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JUNE 5, 1901. THE SMALL-POX.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 124, 5 June 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JUNE 5, 1901. THE SMALL-POX.

Our. cablegrams this morning show that the small-pox is assuming very serious proportions in Sydney. Five fresh cases were reported from the quarantine station in one day, but worst of all is the attempted explanation of how it comes about that a case has been discovered in the heart of a populous portion of Sydney. The authorities admit that they are unable to trace the origin of the outbreak and lay the blame on the loot brought from China by returning members of the contingent. It is clear that if the epidemic continues to increase' there must be another interruption of trado with Australia, as it is not likely that the New Zealand health authorities can allow the risk of the disease being imported through carelessness to take precautions. A point will probably be strained to allow the ■ Royal party to leave Sydney before the enforcing of quarantine regulations is considered. It would be a remarkable condition of affairs if Sydney were declared an infected port before the Ophir left for New Zealand. That, however, is not likely to occur, but if more cases of small-pox break out in the thickly-populated portions of Sydney the embargo must soon be placed upon that port.

A cablegram from London states that Signor Kalsura has formed a Japanese Cabinet. The County Council notify that the platform bridge on Tatapouri Hill is unsafe for traffic.

It is expected that a team of Gisborne footballers will meet Auckland during the present season.

Passengers per Moura to-day are requested to note that the last launch leaves at 9 a.m., instead of 8 a.m. The Waerenga-a.-hika school concert takes place this evening, and should attract a largo number of visitors from town.

Captain Edwin reported yesterday:— “ North to east and south-east gale after 12 hours from now; sea heavy; tides high ; indications much rain.” At the parade of the East Coast Mounted Rifles to-morrow afternoon the detachment to take part in the Royal celebrations at Wellington will arrange their sections.

Arrangements for the Juvenile Rechabites’ Social, on Thursday night, are in hand, and judging by the way tickets are selling, it should prove to be a good evening’s entertainment.

The concert in connection with the Waeren ga-a-hilca school takes place this evening, and should be largely attended. Those who attend can make sure of a very enjoyable evening. Messrs Common, Shelton and Co. advertise that they have a new importation of a two-wheel American trap, which they claim is worthy of inspection. The trap is on show at their machinery warehouse, Pool-street.

Some parents are much concerned about the proposal to allow their children to go Jumping out at this time of the year in Christchurch. But the parent who now tries to check the ardor of the boys can depend upon things being made uncomfortable at home. We have been asked to draw the atten-

tion of the Rugby Union to the disgraceful state of the conveniences at the football ground. An improvement can be effected at very little expense, and wo feel sure that tlie matter has only to be mentioned to be remedied.

The regular monthly parade of the East Coast Mounted Bifles takes place at the Drill-shed service uniform, not full dress. The belts and accoutrements which have been given out will on that occasion be worn for the first time, and should make a marked improvement in the appearance of the corps.

The natives who broke into the premises of Hallam Bros., at the Motu, were forthwith charged and convicted at Opotiki, and let off on payment of fines amounting to .£ls. It seems like a gross miscarriage of justice that Maoris or anyone else can break into settlers’ houses and pillage therefrom without receiving worse punishment than to be fined. The following is a list of letters from places beyond the colony received in the postal district of Gisborne during the month of March, 1901, and unclaimed on the 4th June, 1901 : —Prof. J. P. de Blumenthal, Herbert Chandler, Henri Cologne, J. H. Davies, Jas. Gordon (2), Miss Jackson, Miss M. Maysmore, Mrs Jno. Macfarlane, M. Noonan, Geo. Newett, H. Parker, G. A. Stuckey.

At a meeting of the members o f the City Band there was a discussion as to the conductorship of the Band, Mr T. Morrison, who has for years assiduously given his services as Bandmaster, desired to resign from that position owing to there being calls on his time which he considered prevented him doing justice to the Band. The members having consulted Mr Foster, and having obtained his consent to act as conductor, refused to listen to the resignation of Mr Morrison, whose valued services in the past were spoken of very highly. It was resolved that Mr Morrison continue in the position, just giving to it what time he could spare, and that Mr Foster should act as conductor. The Band is fortunate in securing the honorary services of Mr Foster, in addition to those of Mr Morrison, who also acts in an honorary capacity. The Band is one of Gisborne’s oldest institutions, and is fortunate in having the services of suoh capable musicians. .

A. narrow escape from death by drowning occurred yesterday morning on the Waikanae beach. Shortly before 8 o’clock a Maori man on horseback called at Mr Morrison’s new house, where some of Mr W. O. Sheet’s employees were about to commence work, and informed them that a woman was drowning some distance further along the beach. Messrs Wheeler, Goldsworthy, and Little were speedily on the scene, and wading into the water removed tho woman (a Mrs Old) beyond the reach of the waves, and applied first aid with success. Sergfc. Siddells and Constable McLeod also arrived promptly, and the unfortunate woman was taken to the Hospital in Mr H. Warren’s buggy, being accompanied by Constable McLeod, and Messrs Wheeler and Goldsworthy, who with the Maori who gave the alarm are to be commended for their promptitude. Should the fine weather continue the Druids’ social gathering at Patutahi promises to be the most successful function of the kind yet held in that part of tho district. The committee have spared neither trouble nor expense to make the gathering thoroughly enjoyable, and there is every prospect of their efforts being rewarded in a highly satisfactory manner. The floor is being specially prepared, and will be in first-class order for the occasion. Mrs Fernandez will preside at the piano, which is a sufficient guarantee that the dance music will be of the best. The catering will be in tho hands of Mrs Stevens, of Patutahi, who can be depended on to supply only first-class eatables. As such a large number intend going out from town, the committee have engaged two brakes,, which leavo the ■ Masonic corner at 6 o’clock sharp, the return fare being 2s. Tickets may be procured from the Secretary (Bro. H. Burns) up to 12 o’clock on Friday.

At the monthly meeting of the Kaiti Boad Board yesterday there were present: Messrs Matthewson (Chairman), Bull, Harris, Bridges, and Harding. In reply to a letter from Mrs Allan Black complaining of the action of tho Banger in discriminating in taking stock off the Kaiti roads, it was decided to inform Mrs Black that the Board would endeavor to remedy any cause of complaint. In reply to a suggestion from the Whataupoko Boad Board for a conference to discuss the advisability of the thickly populated portions of the two districts being brought into the Borough of Gisborne, with a view to the prospective water scheme being extended to them, the members considered that it was necessary to have a common basis upon which to act. Tho Chairman stated he had accepted the tender of A. Hansen, LlO, for a bridge on Wheatstone road; confirmed. Two tenders were received, the other being that of Malcolm McLeod, for Ll2. With reference to the difficulty in respect of the DcLautour and Wainui junction drain, it was decided that Mr Matthews, the Board’s engineer, be instructed to meet Mr Fraser, tho Council’s engineer, and have the necessary work carried out.