Untitled

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3625, 9 August 1880, Page 2

The earnestness of the Government in making the redactions in expenditure ordered by the House is apparent, and daily we hear of instructions being given to curtail departmental expenses. The Boards of Education have also received early notification of the intentions of the Government/and the following telegram has been received by the Auckland Board from the Minister of Education ■ :—" House of Representatives has reduced total education vote, by £32,000 a year, equal to deduction from former total capitation grant of 10s per average attendance, with* tha view that the same principles of economy should apply to education as to other branches of the public service. Parliament has determined that ten per cent, reduction be made on salary, pay, and wages through out every branch of the public service. Government assume that you and your Board will readily cooperate with them in giving full effect to the decision of Parliament in this matter, and so readjust and reduce the expenditure of the moneys entrusted to the Board as to meet the necessities of the case by, making the reductions apply proportionately and fairly to every part of the Board's service. Section 8 and 43 of the Act indicate the several purposes to which the statutory gpntis applicable. I give you early intimation, as no doubt jour Board will consider it advisable to give immediate intimation to its officers and school coromiltees of the necessary reductions, so as to prevent the incurring of further, liabilities at former rates until your Board has had time to make the necessary adjustments, deferring to tbe last paragraph of departmental circular No 50, I must again press upon your Board the absolute necessity for positively refraining from incurring ! liabilities on school buildings beyond what can be covered by moneys already in their possession or expressly authorised. Government will not be responsible for any other expenditure. [Reduction takes effect from Ist proximo."

h»8 been the result—us our Yankee friends say, ' bod rock' prices—and consequently they cannot ease off more without a total collapse. This wo think is in the far distance, inasmuch as tho meeting held of the companies interested in the drainage of their mines by the Big Pump have decided to purchase the plant and carry it on themselves —a resolution, we think, that will meet with the approval of all interested in the future of the goldfields."

"A Moanataibi Miner " writes:—"ls: that the late unfortunate acsident at the Hajie Creek miuo was caused by tamping with an iron bar. In the Moanatairi mine we use nothing but old broomsticks for tamping, and by the exerciso of due caution we never have these accidents which arc occurring too frequently of late. The wooden bar will tamp t» charge quite 03 well as those commonly in use, and hare the additional value of being safe. I think the Mine Inspeclion department might take the hint." With reference to the above, a friend suggests that half these accidents might be avoided if a specially made wad were used to separate the powder from the tamping dust.

In our obituary columns it will be noticed that the death of Mr William Lucas, late of the Naval Brigade is announced. The unfortunate man baa been ailing and incapacitated from work for the last three years, and leaves a wife and eeven young children totally unprovided for. We hear that Captain Wildman is receiving subscriptions for the unfortunate family, and also that the Naval Brigade will originate a*a entsrtainment for the same good object.

We understand that Dr Lemon will visit A uckland m a few days, and that then the alterations in the local telegraph end post effices will be made.

Thb monthly inspections by Major Withers commence to-night, at 7 o'clock the Thames Naval Brigade are notified to muster. After the inspection the annual meeting of the corps will be held.

No. 1 Thames Scottish and band are requested to assemble for Major Withers' inspection at 8 o'clock this evening.

A public meeting at Palm erst on North was held in the Town Hall on Friday. The Major was in the chair. A series of strong resolutions were passed condemning the report of Commisf iouers on the West Coast railways, and also a resolution protesting against the division of the Counties, and laying claim to two members.

The Standard has the following:—"A discovery has been made by Dr Wallis, M.H.R., which must gladden the hearts of over burdoned ratepayers, and at once annihilate the ' obnoxious' Property Tax. He has found that every person is exempt; that according to the provisions of the Act itself no one has to pay it. ThelogicalDr proceeds to point out that there are ten exemptions, the ninth being to the effect that all vessels of every kind are exempt. No definition of a ship or a vessel is given in the Act, and Dr Wallis, after giving the dictionary meanings of the word vessel, remarks: 'In theology, vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath means saints and sinners. The ninth exemption, therefore, exempts all human beings what' ever.'"

The following is the State of Sick at the Thames Golcifield Hospital from Ist to 7th August, 1880:—Statistical Nosolo",?. —Zymotic .Diseases—remained 2, admitted 0, discharged 0, remaining 2 ; Constitutional— ■ Nil; Local—remained 5, admitted 2, discharged 1, remaining 6 j Developmental— nil 5 Violent — Remained 4, admitted 1, remaining s.—Total—remained 11, odmitied 3, discharged 1, remaining 13. Out Patients, 40.— T. Aiti£EN, Dispenser.

A Sotjthebn contemporary Bays: —Bonner, the Australian giant, seems to hare excited some sensation in England at tbe matoties played by the Australian cricketers, both on account of his proportions and bis batting. He is about I7st. in weight and stands 6ft 6in in height. He is or>ly between 22 and 23 years of age. During the match with Nottingham he made a bit fully 120 yards, tbe ball dropping in the street leading down to the railway station, and nearly alighting upon an omnibus waiting to take up passengers. On another occasion, by an off-drive, lie sent tbe ball on the top of a bouse in the town, and a worthy _ inhabitant had to " shin " up the water pipe to recover it.

Mb C. McL'ivbb is anxiously waiting the arrival of the mail steamer, by which he expects to receive several hundred pounds worth of London and Parisian novelties. Look in and inspect his stock of studs, solitaries, perfumery, etc. During the winter his well lighted, warm smoking room is one of the most comfortable places about town.

The best of materials manufactured in a proper and workmanlike manner should give satisfaction. Henca we are pleased in daily, almost hourly, hearing such exclamations as " My word Douglas your loaf is now splendid," " Those biscuits are really beautiful," "My compliments to Mr Douglas and tell him I havn'b eaten such bread for years, &c, &c."