THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

The appointment of Sir Patrick Buckley to. the vacant judgeship has pub ab rest) the poLibical public mind with regard to one matter thab has exercised it for some time. Anobher mabter thab has excited just as much interest has been the question of the euccessorto Sir Westby Perceval in London, and it would seem to be aboub settled also. So far a8 we can gabher everything points to the Hon. Mr Reaves being made our new Agent-General. There is no one else unless Sir Patrick Buckley, who has ever been spoken of as a possible rival of the Minister of Education for the post; and from the beginning ib ha 3 been feic thab Mr Reeves merited the position and would till ib with honour. Should the rumour of hie appointment be confirmed ; we desire to ottor him our henrby congratulations, and to express the hope that his term of office may be one of "marked success to the colony. At the same time, while welcoming the new Agent-General, we must nob forget the old. Sir Weefcby Perceval has certainly left his mark on the Agorib Generalship. His foresight and his energy have been remarkable. He kept his oyea open for everything thab might concern New Zealand, and was indefatigable in pushing any new scheme which promiaed advantages to the colony. Hib advent to the office was the signal for a distinct: change in the methods cf transacting business. Henceforth, the Agent General was to concern himself more closely with the commercial tievelopmeut.3 of the country he represented, and to unite in himself more of the functions of a commercial agent, at the same time that he did not relinquish his status as a eorb oE ambue?ader. Sir Westby combined the two roles very successfully. Ke was pushing and alerb among business men and the general public, and dignified and obliging in dealing with the ebatesmen with whom he came in contact.

it ia not too much to 3fty that our present Minister of Education will find it none too ea&y to fill Sir Westby'a place with perfect satisfaction to himaelf. He will Snd that those very qualities which distinguished his predecessor will be more requisite than aver. Our agent-generalship is undergoing a rapid transformation in common with that of other colonies. Tbera has even been talk of abolishing it altogether, bub ab all events ib is destined to undergo many importanb modifications. Mr Reevea enters on.his new work at a time when the feeling is strong that the scopa of that work should be much enlarged ; when the tendency is to increase the value of the office by utilising its sorvices for tho more direct superintendence and encouragement of the trade between tho colony and Great Britain. His duties will probably be more comprehensive than thab of the former Agents-General, and ho will have to dsal more closely with details. Whether the Minister of Education is able to bear the multifarious labours thab may be heaped on him some people will probably take loavo to donbb. They will hardly question Mr Reeves' ability and business capacity ; their objection? will probably be based upon his reputed want of tact and urbanity. Those who know the Minister in public life will never say that he doea not possess the power of concentrated labour, and if ab times hia peculiar abruptness of manner has estranged many he came into contact with, great allowances musb be made for the nervous irritation for which the long sittings of Parliament and the badgering to which people have to submit to are to a large extenb responsible. The Parliamentary arena was never the best place for Mr Reeves. Ib is true be made slashing speeches there, bub the worry of the labour legislation, to which he devoted his whole soul, told on him very appreciably, and tho opposition he mot with on the one hand, aDd the discouraeemonb and disappointment on the other, were trying in the extreme to tho best of tempers. The atmospheroof tho Agent-General's office inLondon will, wo are sure, be much more congenial to him. In his business hours he will be at liberty to devote himself to bhe carrying out of the schemes he may set his hearb on for the benefit of tha colony; and those who know hie ardent nature will never have a fear of him shirking any duty. In his leisure time he will bo in "a better position to prosecute those studies and thoße acquaintanceships which can nowhere be prosecuted by a cultured man with 90 much advantage as in London. Mr Reeves has many enemies ; we do not certainly entertain a high opinion of the invertebrate individual who has none; but he has nosy the opportunity of converting many of his opponents into warm supporters. For his own cake and for the sake of the whole colony be will represent in the Old Country, we hope he will make good use of thab opI portuuity, and fill his office in such a manner aa amply to justify the confidence his colleagues have reposed in him.

The question of his successor In the Ministry is an interesting one. To find someone to take up the portfolio of Labour would not be difficult, bub that of Education might require a much more careful search.

Thames stock, May Queens changing handa at 10a and 'Cardigans ab Is &£ Coromandel Btocka were almost entirely neglected,- the only transaction being Golden Hill ab Bd. Eunker'g Hill shares were offered aa low ac 4.s Oil without finding a fauyor. The enquiry for Kuaotunu stocks showad slighb improvement). Try Flukes sold ab Ss ; Kapai-Vermont at 10b ; Maorilanda ab lOd and Great Unitedß ab 7d.

The Hon. A. J. Cadman was to hare lafb Wellington for the North by train this moroing. He comes overland via Huntervillo and Taupo.

Brett's Auckland Almanac for 1896 will be published on Saturday next. As usual this popular-work will be published at tha low price of one shilling, and will contain a mass of information. Several parts of the annual have been completely rewritten, and all of it has been revised and corrected so as to make ifc a compendium of correct and most recent information. There will be found in its pages in addition to tha carefully compiled fctatktica of thia and other colonies, a descriptive account of tha country north and eou&h of Auckland, with a freshly calculated table of tides, which will ba of great use to country settlers, a digest of the Acts passed during the iaab cession of Parliament, po3tai and customs notices, fisheries' regulations, stamp duties revised up to date, and the exhaustive local directory, which has always tormed a feature of thia popular publication.

Last week a drowning accident occurred at the native settlement of Rihirohi, on the Waipa River. A native girl named Noli Wahahoehoe was drowned in the river, while playing with a boy on the bank. The girl went into the river, and the boy seeing her swepfc away by the current ran and told his mother, who gob into the river and recovered the doad body of the child. An inquest was held by Mr Greaham, coroner, when the jury returned a verdict of " Accidentally drowned."

Mr Thomas Henderson, owner of tho local yacht Volunteer, laid the following complaint by letter before the Auckland Harbour Board to-dny :—" 1 beg to point out a danger to navigation caused by rafta of timber being anchored at night and left without a light to notify the position. On Sunday night-, Ist inst., a large rafb was anchored in Hobson's Bay, in a position likely to cause damage to vessels working up on tho southern shore. Trusting you "ill take some steps bo lessen this danger." The matter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee, the Harbourmaster to furnish a report on the complaint.

The funeral of the late Mr Robsri Roberts, of Fakuranga, took place yesterday afternoon ab the Hsvnck Cemetery, the interment being very largely attended. The late Mr Roberts came to New Zealand 41 year 3 ago, and had resided in the Pakuranga district since that time. For 30 years be had lived on the farm where hi died. The deceased leave 3 a widow, four sons, eeven daughters and eleven grandchildren. The Rev. Mr Boler conducted the funeral service, and ho made special allusion to the deceased as a Christian gentleman and a good settler.

On the Domain Crickeb Ground last even* ing, Messrs James McKean and M. O'Connor ran test races against time for the satisfaction of the Committee of the Auckland Amateur1. Athletic C!ub. McKean ran over half-a-mile, which he covered in 2min 6 l-sth aec. McKean ran with bad judgment, for he cutout the first quarter mile in 583ec. M. O'Connor ran a mile in fine style and with good judgment, his time being a fraction under 4min 408'e'c,. which is a fast go for this colony. The runnera were paced during their journeys by ,T. Roberts, G. B. Beere and 6. B. Croker. ' In vtew of these performances ib is probable both McKean and O'Connor will be included in the Auckland team to, compete at the New Zealand Championship Meeting to be held in Christchurch on December 28th. The Committee of the Auckland Club meet on Fridsy evening to finally choose the Auckland team.

Mr Holden, Secretary of the Auckland Bowling Club, has received a communication from Wellington, informing him that at a meeting; of the Northern Bowling Association ib was resolved that) the bowling tournament; be held at Auckland in February next, commencing on Monday tha 24th of that month. Messrs Gray, Andrew, Campbell, Mentiplay, and J. G. Campbell have been appointed a Committee to draw up a programme for tha tournament. Suggestions are invited from tho Auckland clubs.

Stops are being: taken afe tho Thames to petition the Miaister of Justice for a mitigation of the sentence of two years' imprisonmenfc passed on Robert Darrah at the Supreme Court in Auckland for shooting a burglar at Hikutaia. On Monday evening a public meeting was held at Hikutaia, and ib waa decided to ab once get up a petition appealing to the Minister of Justice for a mitigation of the sentence on Darrab. At Te Aroha, on Monday night, a public meeting was also held in connection with Darrah's sentence, Mr S. T. Smaidon, presiding. A Committee was appointed to canvass the township and surrounding districts for signatures to a petition. The Committee were instructed co communicated with Mr Elliott, of Puriri, Darrah's former employer, who is taking the initiative in this matter, and to aco in conjunction with him.

The Tivoli Musical Comedy Company repeated " The New Woman " last night ad the City Hall, the audience being a large one. The parts were well taken by Misses Chevalier and Harte, and Messrs Koyd, Hamilton and Collins. In the variety portion of bhe programme, new songs were given with every success by Misses Trissy Darcy and Evelyn Earte, and Messrs Collins and Brown caused great amusement in the sketch " Boarding-house Troubles." " The Artist's Studio," a very amusing farce by the company, concluded the entertain meat.

At presenb there are fifty-eighb men employed by tbe Government on the new road between Te Kuiti {King Country) and Awakino, on the Wesb Coast, this' road being made to give access to Taranakt from Auckland via tho West Coast. Tha men will nob finish, their contracts till the end of the month. During tho next week or ten days the Minister of Lands will come to a determination as to the future prosecution of this work. Lasfe night, ab the Opera House, the Kennedy-Lucas Dramatic Company repeated the double bill of " The Bells " and tha farce " O'Callaghan on His Lasb Legs." To-night, the popular comedy, " Our Boys," with Mr J. J. Kennedy as Perkyn Middlewick, will ba produced; also the farce "A Regular Fix."

For sale at Home cost, English manufacturers samples of ladies' underclothing.— D.S.C.—(Advt).

Roll up to Young's, Shortland-Btreefc, for Bycroft's broken biscuits.—(Advts.)

Tennis shirts, 23 lid to 12s* 6d: whits shirts, dressed fronts and cuffs, 2s lid to 6s 6d; white shirts, coloured fronts and cuffs, from 2s lid ab Court Bros'.—(Advti.)

You will wish yon had known George Fowlds sooner, once you realise how beautiful his goods are, and the amount* you aave in price.—(Advt.)

The new coloured zephyr pique for washing dresses 10id, in ail colours; fancy brilliants, various patterns, G|d ; cropona in greab variety, stripe and plain ; Hoylea prints, from 3^d. — Courb Bros.—(AdvC.)

Flannelette underclothing, manufacture samples at half Auckland price.— D.5.6.— (Advt.)

Gents' silk ties and scarfs in greab variety from 6d ; gents' eilk handkerchiefs from Is 3d, and a big assortment of other gents^ mercery, suitable for Christmas gifts eaarked at low prices ab Court Bros'.—(Adi)

I g!S~-— . - ,~ i meeting of the Women's Political 1 rjngoe was held yesterday afternoon at the { fM.C.A. Rooms. Mrs Daldy (President) 1 Raided. The minutes of the last meeting, 1 Containing among other matter* the resoI lotion re itflitfat-ion with the National Asso--1 Ration, wero read and conrirmod. One of :>! members, who was nob present when 1 t f, e resolution was discussed dissented, and 9 tendered her resignation, as she did noo I jnprove of the National Society's platform. I /letter was read from Mr Ewington on the good work done by tho League. It was 1 Ipeed to donate U>6 sum of £2 10s to the Young Men'n Gariscian Association funds ' for the free use of the Social Hall aa a place o f meeting". On the motion of the President, it was decider! to adjourn until April j 3 t, 1896 ; after which date meetings will i be held monthly.

A young man, named James A, McMillan, gave information to the police to the effect that a man came up to him las* night in Karangahape Road about) 8 o'clock, asked him what he ffaß doing with his woman, and then paahed him. In self defence he strack cat, whereupon the other man wenb a few yards away, and Btood in a dark, doorway /or a minute or two. Ha then, it is alleged, jasbed out) and struck informant on the back of the head with something; (believed to be an iron bur) which he had in his hand, tooekiDg him down. With that ha run gway. Tho injured man had to be taken 'jo a doctor, who is said to have found a deep wound on the back of his head, B bout two . inche3 long. The injury, though sevoro, is not;, however, expected to prove fatal. Subsequently, Constable Ru3sell> of Newton, arrested a young man named John Dongan, who was brought up Bttha Police Court this morning and remanded on a charge of assaulb with intent to do bodily barm. Bail was allowed in aceusod's own recognisance of £50 and two sureties of £25 each.

While driving to town about 8 o'clock this morning, Mr Yeoman was jerked out of his carb in Karangahape Road, and had his eoll»r-bone broken. The horse suddenly started off while he was fixing the seat. For some minutes Mr Yeomaa was insensible.

At the Police Courb to-day John Leonar^ was pvwished for drunkneea9 and sovera cases were remanded. A charge of keeping a brothel in Victoria-street against Nicholas green was proceeding when we went to press.

lleasris Samuel Cochrane and Sons held an auction of city and suburban proprieties at their auction rooms to-day. A freehold property in Hijrh-ebreet, with two two storeyed brick buildings thereon, comprising a parb of the estate of the late Mrs Martha Rout, waß sold for £450. Of the 12 building sites of over 3 acres each, situated at Mount Roskill, submitted by auction, three found purchasers at £101, £90, and £90 respectively. The Dublin-atreeb and Costleystreet properties were passed in.

Onr obituary columns dto-ay contain an announcement of the death of Mr A. E. Cotes, of Bvick Bay, Devonporb, at) the early age of 45. Deceased represented in Auckland the warehouse of R. T. Rycroft, Manchester. He came to this coloDy some three years ago for the benefit of his health, but returned to London aboub five months apo on business matters. He only arrived here again on Sunday lasb by the 8.8 Takapuna, and at that time he was in a critical state of health, passing away ab his late residence yesterday morning. Deceased leaves a wife and four children behind him. He was much respected by a large circle of friend 3. The remains of debea^ied will be interred to-morrow, the funeral leaving his residence at 2.15 p.m.

Mr Ferguson, of the Auckland Labour Bureau, has received instructions to provida a co-operative party of bricklayers' labourers for the new Auxiliary Asylutru Those who are on the books of the Bureau for this class of work should apply at the office, High-street, by noon on Friday.

The Council of the National Association (Auckland section) held a meeting in the rooms last night. The President (Mr Bafcger) waa in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. ■ A number of reports were made regarding the progress of the Association in Dunedin and elsewhere, and the Council expressed gratification at rinding the principles and platform enunciated four years ago by the parebt Association in Auckland now boing adopted throughout New Zealand, and to a large extent in Australia. The platform of the VVanganui section was submitted and commended, and the Secretary was instructed to write and congratulate tbe section. The Secretary reported thac he had, by special request, attended the meeting of the Women's Political_ League thab afternoon, in order to furnish information desired in view of their proposed affiliation with the Association. The report *raa of a very satisfactory character. Correspondence containing the affiliation scheme proposed for the Australasian Association was read. The Secretary waa instructed to convey to the kindred eocieties in Australia the Council's appreciation of the scheme generally, but before endorsing it the opinion of the other sections in New Zealand would be invited. Jt> was agreed that; the Council hold ite next meeting on Friday, the 2Ooh insb., in the afternoon or evening to suit the convenience of the greater number.

The auction sale held by Messrs Gabriel Lewis and Co. about noon to-day .of leasehold properties, owned by the City Council, was very largely attended, bat the bidding was nob as spirited as the value of some of the properties warranted. The leaseholds of some-65 building sites and seven dwellings were submitted, and the following were disposed of: allotment 30, Abercrombie-strest, rental £10 per annum: allotmenb 21, Albertstreet, with three buildings, rental £35 per annum; allotment 22, Market Entrance, with cottage rental, £11 per annum ; allotment 22," Market Entranco, with cottage, came rental ; allotment 23, Alborb-9treet, with cottage, reafcal £21 per annum.

Mr James Hnwkinß, licensee of the Empire Hotel, Victoria-street, has presented a very handßome silver cup, valued at £10 10s, to the Ponsonby Regatta Committee. The cup is to be firsb prize for 'yachts 2 to 4 tons.

The Brokers' ARSOciation having bee n considerably strengthened by the additio 0 of a nnmber of new members, baa latfcerly held the call meetings in the Long Room of the New Zealand Insurance BuildiDgs. This has now been nicely fitted up, each of the members being provided with hie oven desk.

The Auckland Caledonian Society have decided to receive entries up to Saturday evening next for the special events placed on their pragrammo for members of Amateur AtMet:c Clubs. The distances are 100 yds, 300 yds, 440yd8 and half-mile.