LONDON.

Mt Benger Mail, Volume 17, Issue 850, 29 August 1896, Page 4

LONDON.

[From the Evening Stabs Corbksponwcnt.] London, July 10. Anxious to ascertain the truth first-hand as to the constantly recurring paragraphs in the London papers with regard to the alleged intention of the Duke and Duchess of York to visit Australia and New Zealand this autumn, I called yesterday morning upon His Royal Highness at St. James's Palace. Whether I should have asked to see the Prince if he had been at home and what short expression he might have used with regard to the request it boots not to inquire. Suffice it to say our future monarch had gone out cycling, and so had the controller of the household. An equerry, however, proved to be visible, and, despite the suppressed horror of a regiment of scarlet-clad menials, I insisted on seeing him. This gentleman was most courteous and informative. "No," he Baid, "I can assure you there is not a word of truth in the report. You may be certain news of such importance could never come out that way. The Agents-General would know it before anyone else." "Of course," I replied, "I supposed so much, and had made inquiries from Sir Saul Samuel before I ventured to trouble you. He had heard nothing, but the circumstantiality of the 'Chronicle's' announcement shook his incredulity. You see they absolutely named the ship which was to take out their Royal Highnesses." "Yes," said the equerry, "but that very fact might have assured you of the bogus character of the news." "Why? H.M.S. Blenheim is a specially fast cruiser." " Yea, but considering the vessel was only utilised the other day as Prince Henry of Battenberg's hearse, it was scarcely likely his nephew and niece would use it soon after for a pleasure cruise." "Then I may say definitely no arrangements whatever have been made for a colonial tour ? " " Yes, I would rather you didn't publish my name, but you can Bay you got the news from York House."

THE NEW COMMANDANT. The Agent-General informs us that Major Arthur Poole Penton, R.A., has been nominated as the new commandant of the New Zealand forces, and that the Government have accepted the nomination. The War Office has not as yet publicly gazetted the appointment, but that is a mere formal matter, and the appointment is practically made. Major Penton is out of town at present, so I have not been able to interview him. Here, however, ate a few details of his record : He was commissioned as lieutenant on January 9, 1873, and gained his captaincy nine years later, the exact date being June 7, 1882. .Seven years afterwards he again received promotion, becoming Major Penton. He has held very important appointments, amongst which may be mentioned captain instructor of Royal Gun Factories, inspector of Steel Brigade, and major Royal Artillery (southern district). He was also assistant to the Director of Artillery at headquarters. Major Penton holds a certificate from the senior class Artillery College. Nor will those who dislike being under a man who has seen no service be able to gird at Major Penton, as they sometimes u&ed to do at his predecessor when annoyed by that gentleman's painfully critical remarks. Major Penton has served, and served with distinction. He was through the Afghan War of 1879-80, gamed a medal, and was twice mentioned in complimentary terms in the despatches. He sails for New Zealand at the end of August or early in September. MB KEEVES AND THE ' STATIST.' It was not to be expected that Mr Ward's failure and disappearance from the New Zealand Government would escape comment in City circles. The ' Statist,' an expensive and influential financial weekly, took advantage of the occasion to print in their issue of June 20 a violent and virulent attack on New Zealand finance. The tone of the article was certainly extreme. It contained all the old charges, saying its nasty things in a somewhat nastier way than usual. It accused the Government "of borrowing money for farmers to assist its principal banking institution in order that the latter should not press its creditors for payment for their debts," and finally made the somewhat startling declaration that " the majority of citizens in New Zealand are unable to meet their engagements." To the whole attack Mr Reeves in this week's issue of the same paper makes a spirited and occasionally a stinging reply. The AgentGeneral takes the charges in their order, and disposes of them with considerable cleverness. Sometimes, indeed, he "hits back" at the enemy with considerable effect. The ' Statist,' for instance, remarked that Judge Williams " had made severe remarks on Mr Ward's company." "Well," Bays Mr Reeves, " suppose they were severe ? Does that justify anyone in damning the credit of the colony and stigmatising the mass of its citizens as bankrupts ?" "It is not so long ago when another Judge Williams used very strong language here in London about the management of a company—language which was followed by the resignation of a prominent English Minister. But would that occurrence have justified any American financial paper in assailing the soundness of English public credit and declaring the majority of Englishmen to be bankrupt? Again, why do you speak of New Zealand as a country whose first banking institutions are constantly in need of assistance ? Why apeak of banks when only one bank comes fairly within the category ?" For the rest the reply is as bitter as the attack, which is saying something.

THE UNION COMPANY'S NEW STEAMERS. There being a good many contradictory rumors about anent the new steamers ordered by the Union Steam Ship Company, I called upon Mr Mills at the city office jester day and ascertained the truth. "Yes," said Mr Mills, in answer to a question, "something has appeared in the Press from time to time about our intentions and the new steamers, bat it has as often as nob been inaccurate." " Then what are the facts ?"—" The new mail steamer to replace the Monowai will be 4,000 tons, and is to attain a trial speed of sixteen and a-half knots, which will mean the shortening of the journey to San Francisco by two days. In build and in general design she will be very like the Monowai, but there will be more deck cabins and further conveniences and comforts for tropical travel." "And her name?"—" Has just been settled. She will be called the Moana. Every new improvement for the perfecting of passenger accommodation will be employed, and her internal decorations will be unusually tine even in these days of floating palaces." " And when will she be ready ?"—" Well, at present it is hard to say exactly, but she should reach Sydney early next year." 11 Now, concerning the other?"—" She is destined for the intercolonial trade. Her tonnage will be 3,000, and at the trial she is to attain a minimum speed of 111 knots. Built on the same lines as the Monowai, but with several recent improvements, she will l>e by far the most magnificent and comfortable boat in the intercolonial trade."

" And ahe will be ready ?"—" About the same time as the 'Frisco service boat; we hope early in tbe new year. Her name will be the Waikari, and she and the Meaowai will be put on general service at once, replacing two of the older boats. Wo hope that with two tine steamers of this vlw w$ shall be able to meet and thoroughly

satisfy the increased requirements of both tho passenger and trade intercolonial service. And (concluded Mr Mills) there can be no doubt the Moana will still further increase the popularity of the 'Frisco route Home.''

THE ELECTRIC TRAMS FOR AUCKLAND. The proposed electric tramway scheme for Auckland which brought Mr Stewart, C.E., to England has pretty well monopolised his time and attention during the past fortnight. I understand from him that everything is in good train, but that noihing definite can be done pending an answer from the Town Council of Auckland to a letter which will leave by to-day's mail. The epistle will doubtless be published in exlenso when it comes before the Council, and it would therefore be superfluous to say much about it here. The mam point is that Messrs Parriah object entirely to the clause which gives the City Council right to resume possession in seventy-one years' time on what would practically be its own valuation. The Auckland city solicitor seems to have imagined that the "word" of the Couneil would suffice. " Once bit," however, " twice Bhy." Messrs Parriah have had bitter experience of the extraordinary breaches of faith city councils will perpetrate under the excuse of "the interests of the ratepayers." Their demands seem reasonable in the extreme, and there is small reason to doubt that Auckland will grant them. Immediately this is done matters will be at once proceeded with, and Auckland will be placed in possession of what Mr Stewart says will be a very superior tram service. There will be either a three or a two minutes' service, which is not positively settled, but probably the latter. On special occasions, when the traffic to Potter's Paddock is heavy, the company will be able to meet all demands, as cars will be despatched every ten seconds if necessary. The electric connection will be underground, and the horrible scraping, whirring noise made by the overhead connection of the Hobart electric trams will not, therefore, affect Aucklanders' ears. I mention this because Mr Stewart tells me several letters appeared some time ago objecting to the introduction of electric trams on this account.

A NARROW ESCAPE. Mr H. Alan Scott, of Christchurcb, who is so well known in connection with the New Zealand Midland Railway, has arrived Home after various adventures and escapes, and has joined his wife at 112 Eaton square, the town residence of Borne of their English relations. Since leaving New Zealand Mr Scott has certainly had an exceedingly busy time. He travelled first to Melbourne, where he embarked on the Aberdeen liner Australasian for the Cape. There he spent some time travelling over and inspecting the entire South African railway system and visiting Johannesburg and other important centres. In twenty-two days he travelled over 3,200 miles of railway, besides visiting many farms and cities. In the ordinary course of things, Mr Scott would have left the Cape by the ill-fated Drummond Castle, and would infallibly have perished with the rest off Ushant. The previous boat, the Roslyn Castle, was indeed absolutely full, and the office would not listen to Mr Scott's appeal for a berth. On the very last day, however, something occurred to keep a booked passenger behind, and he gave his place to Mr Scott. If, as is presumed, he took in exchange the berth Mr Alan Scott would have occupied on the Drummond Castle, his change of plana cost him his life, as it certainly saved that of the New Zealander. Visits to friends in different parts of Eagland will take up the attention and time of Mr and Mrs Scott for the next few weeks, after which he will again return to London. He and his wife hope to return to New Zealand about October, probably in the Australia, whose passenger list is already almost full.

TIIK TPTANBKAI SAILS. The Tutauekai had after all no second trial trip, and is now en route to the colony, which, as I told you before, Captain Fairchild hopes to reach in about fifty-seven days. The skipper writes me that on the 18th inst. the new steamer easily achieved a speed of fouiteen knots. A photo has been taken of her and forwarded to the ' New Zealand Graphic ' and ' Canterbury Times.' On the outward trip economy will be studied in the matter of fuel, and a speed of not more than ten knots maintained. The following description of the vessel gives various details which could not be included in that sent some months ago from the specifications : The Tutanekai has been built and engined by Messrs D. J. Dunlop and Co., Inch Works, Port Glasgow, for the Government of New Zealand, and whilst being specially designed and constructed for cable-laying and repairing purposes, having two large circular cable tanks and all necessary appliances for cable laying and lifting, the steamer has been fitted up and furnished also with a view to carry the lighthousekeepers and their families to and from the various stations in the colony, attending to buoy work being also part of her duties. Accommodation of a most superior description has been provided for His Excellency the Governor and his suite, and for the members of the Legislature. Spacious state rooms, dining saloons, and other apartments are fitted up amidships of solid oak, mahogany, and walnut, giving a pleasing effect to the various places. Each state room has been supplied with a patent folding-up metallic bed and woven wire spring mattress, patent folding-up lavatory, etc. All floors are covered with Brussels carpet, and the sofas and the chairs are handsomely upholstered in blue velvet. Immediately over the saloon is a large steel deckhouse, with inside framing of solid oak, containing companion and stairway to saloon, ladies' cabin, captain's cabin, and cable testing room, and also spacious well, with teak skylight on the bridge deck, communicating light and ventilation to the saloon below. The officers are accommodated under the bridge amidships, and also under the raised quarter-deck aft, where there is a handsome dining saloon for their use, fitted up in solid oak ; and immediately overhead is a large teak deckhouse containing smoking room and companion, panelled in solid oak and upholstered in leather. Accommodation is provided for the conveyance of lighthouse - keepers and their families, with separate cabin for ladies. The dimensions of the steamer are : Length (between perpendiculars) 205 ft, breadth 30ft, depth (moulded) 15ft 9in, and she has been built throughout of steel, and to Lloyd's 100 Al class, under special survey, and she also fulfils the requirements of the Board of Trade for passenger steamers. The vessel carries four fully equipped boats, two of them being whale lifeboats 35ft long, and they have also been supplied with Hill's patent boat disengaging gear for Promptly lowering the boats into the water. he internal fittings and working appliances of the steamer are amply provided for, and have been furnished by some of the best makers. The machinery consists of two sets of triple-expansion engines, having cylinders 15.',iu, 25in, and 40in diameter, with a stroke of 30in, and two marine tubular single - ended boilers, having a working pressure of 1701b per square inch. An auxiliary boiler for a pressure of 170lb has also been supplied by the builders. The steamer has been designed and constructed under the direct superintendence of Mr W. H. Preece, C.8., Engineer-in-Chief of H.M. Post Office Telegraphs, and Mr VV. R. Culley, Submarine Superintendent of H.M. Telegraphs. The large experience of the latter in the arrangement and various details required in this class of vessel, and ID submarine cable work

generally, rendered his assistance in the preparing of all plans and in the carrying out of the work most valuable. During the trials the whole of the machinery worked with perfect smoothness, with entire absence of heating and no appreciable vibration, and the results reflect great credit on the builders tor the care and judgment they have shown in the fulfilment of this contract. Messrs Dun lop have-had previous experience in this class of work, having built Her Majesty's telegraph ship Monarch, and the experience gained by them assisted them in carrying the present contract to a successful issue.

THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. The meeting of the shareholders of the National Bank of New Zealand on Tuesday, July 2, was not very largely attended. The chairman (Mr James Macandrew) gave a very satisfactory account of the year's work. He alluded, naturally, to the increased prosperity of the colony and the delelopment of "the gold mining interest." "New Zealand mining shares," said Mr Macandrew, "promise to become a favorable form of security. The profits of many of the companies that have been started, of conrse, are a matter rather to be determined in the future rather than at the present time; but there can be no doubt whatever that both the North and South Islands contain highly auriferous regions, which give promise of rich results, and which are now attracting both population and capital to a very considerable extent. This movement has naturally called for increased banking facilities, which the directors have made arrangements to supply, though with the exercise of due caution in all instances. A large number of new accounts have been opened with us, by no means exclusively or even principally from mining companies and mining operators, and we expect that all theae will bring a considerable accession of good business to us, and therefore an increase in profits. It is probably known to all of you that since we last met together the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, which was one of the three banks exclusively devoted to that colony, has ceased to exist, its business having become merged in that of the Bank of New Zealand, which may now be regarded virtually as a State institution. In consequence of this amalgamation we have had a considerable accession of business, and the multiplication of branches competing with us is, pcrhap?, somewhat less felt than it was." The chairman then went into the matter of accounts at considerable length. The dividend was maintained at 5 per cent., and the directors now felt that the time had come for a re-establishment of a reserve fund. £20,000 was set aside, therefore, for that object. "We think," said the chairman, "that this measure is likely to add to the credit of the bank, and it is our intention to make additions year by year to it so fir as the surplus profits will admit, and so strengthen the security of the banks." Speaking on the market value of the shares, Mr Macandrew pointed out that they had risen from 20a to over 303 during the year. If shareholders would only refrain from sacrificing shares he felt sure they would soon be at " par." A high compliment to the staff of the bank both in London and the colony was followed by the satisfactory statement that there was every reason to suppose that a strong position would continue to be held, and steady, if modest, dividends paid. At first it seemed as if there would be no discussion, but at last one shareholder rose and said he thought they ought to have a 7'. per cent, dividend instead of carrying £20,000 to the reserve fund. Nobody backing his proposal up, he slapped his hat indignantly on his head and noisily left the room. Iu answer to a question from another shareholder, the Chairman said the bank held securities which more than covered the reserve. They would give no definite promise as to how they would or would not invest the reserve. That was purely a matter for their discretion. Every care, of course, would be taken. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, the retiring directors and auditors were re-elected, and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman, directors, and officers of the bank.