NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Premier.—The Hon. the Premier ie a passenger trom Wellington by the Manapouri, and a telegram received last night states that his visit is in connection with the Exhibition. A Labocr Grievance.—Several working men called at the Press office last night and complained that stevedores were fetched from Lyttelton to conduct the salvage operations at the fire in Hereford street yesterday. They urge that a number of men on the spot were ready to do the work, and ought to have had the preference. Malvehn.—The vital statistics at Malvern for the September quarter are:—Births 10, deaths 2, marriages 3. Springfield.—Exteneive repairs to the Midland Railway between Springfield and Ocarama are in progress. These were rendered nesessary by the rough weather and floods of August. A largo quantity of stone in heavy blocks, brought from the Little River line, is being placed along the face of the bridge embankments at both the main and Little Kowai Rivers. An Unexpected Visitor.—lt i 9 reportod that at an up-country township this week a marriage had only been celebrated about; a quarter of an hour, when a woman came on the sceno and claimed to be the former wifo of the bridegroom. The bride is still in doubts as to her position in the matter. Farm Notes. —Our Malvern correspondent writes :—For five weeks past the rainfall can be counted up in a few showers, and farmers would now welcome a day's wet to force the grass and crops. A good breadth of oats has gone in since the middle of August, and as a rule are lookinc well. Spring wheat the same, but a lot of the early sown crops of winter wheat suffered very severely from the long continued wet and snow. The lambing on the plains show generally a good percentage, but stray dogs are responsible for the loss of a good many lambe and ewes. The Volunteers. — A Government parade of the Voluuteer companies was held last night. The muster was :—Enqineere, Capt. McGee, 28; City Guards, Captain Crcsswell, 42 ; College Rifles, Capt. Day, 35; City Rifles, Lieut Cabot, 55. Total, 140. Major Francis was in command, and Liout. Sandford acted as Adjutant. The companies were exercised in battalions at the North Park.

Er.LESMERE A. AXD P. ASSOCIATIOX.—A Committee meeting of tfaia Association took place in the Leeston Hotel on October Ist, Mr L. Mathias, President, occupying the chair. Correspondence was received from a number of firms and gentlemen, giving special priz33 for competition at the Show. From the Clerk of the Ashhurton Licensing Committee, refusing to grant a conditional publican's license on Show day. From Mr W. H. Montgomery, M.H.R., re aheop tax and carriage of lime and manures. The ■judges for several classes were appointed. The sub-committee to allocate the special prizes handed in their report, the allocation being on the samu basis and value as last year. Cbioket. —On Thursday afternoon teams representing the Hairdressers and Grocers played a match, which resulted in a win for the former by 32 runs on the first innings. The Grocers in their first innings scored 43, of which Gresham made 19. The Hairdressers put up 75. Cusack 29, Ogier 15, and H. Deal 12 getting into double figures. In the second innings the Grocers made 85, Gresham 28 and Bailey 16. H. Deal and Rodjjers were the most successful in the bowling for the Hairdressers, and Gresham and Hatnil for the Grocers. A meeting of the junior employees of Victoria House was held on Thursday, when it was decided to form a cricket club, to be called the Victoria House Junior Cricket Club. A Committee was formed, Mr F. Tregear was elected Preeident. Mr Sandry Captain, Mr J. A. Clarke hon. Treasurer, Mr B. Spiller, hon. Secretarj\ The season will open on Thursday next.

The Sailing Seasos.—The sailing season will open a. Sumner to-day, and in addition to the raciug & submarine mine will be explodetl at 4 p.m. by a gquad of the Canterbury Engineers. St. Makk's, Opawa.—Aβ will be seen by advertisement elsewhere, a dramatic entertainment will be held in the schoolroom on Thursday evening next, kindly given by the Fendalton Dramatic Club. The pieces selected are " Which is Which," and the farce "Freezing a Mother-in-law." Prophetic Lectcre.—A lecture on "The Seventy Weeks of Daniel " will be given on Lord's Day afternoon, and an evangelistic address in the evening by Mr W. "Corrie Johnston, in the Hall near Montreal atreei bridge. Sharp Fr.osx.—Last Tuesday evening, according to the Lincoln College self-regis-tering tnermometer, the frost was the sharpest we have had all the winter, 17deg. being recorded. On the occasion when the Lyttelton harbour was frozen there were 15deg. of fros:. at Lincoln. Masonic Social.—The annual Masonic social, held under the auspices of the Geraldiae Lodge, No. 37, N.Z.C.took place on Thursday night, and was most successful. Capital music waa provided for the dancing, and a moat enjoyable evening was 9pent. Oranoeism.—The usual monthly meeting of South Rakaia, L.0.L., No. 25, toak place on Saturday evening; the W.M. (Bro. Cromie) in the chair. A large amounf. of correspondence was dealt with. One candidate was initiated into the Orange degree. Oddfklt.ovvship.—The September quarterly meeting of the Loyal Leeston Lodge took place on September 30th; the N.G. (Bro. H. Hay) presiding. The sick visitors' report showed that four brothers required medical assistance. One new member was initiated. The receipts of the evening amounted to £5717s 5d and the expenditure to £32 10s 10d. Te.mpeka.nce Societt.—The usual meeting of the St. Michael's Temperance Society was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. The Rev. A. W. Averill occupied the chair. The following programme was gane through :—Recitations by the Misses Ida and Ethel Davey, Constance Jarvis, Lavinia Hansen, Emma Taylor, Masters Don Williams, Alfred Jarvis, Fergusson Jarvis, and Fred Baldwin ; duet by the Misses B. Clark and G. Shaw; songs by Miss Douglass, and a selection by Miss N. Coombs. School Committee.—The monthly meeting of the Southbridge School Committee was held on Thursday evening. Present— Dr. T. J. Withers (Chairman) and Messrs R. Webster, R. C. Burns, R. P. Hill, G. Marquand, W. HibbartJ and W. W. Wilson. Correspondence was received from the Board of Education giving permission to the Cricket Club to lay a concrete pitch on the school paddock. The Committee accorded a hearty vote of thanks to the Head Master and his staff for the very satisfactory examination report. The Head Master's report showed the number on roll 251, and the average attendance 198. Accounts amounting to £4 10a were passed for payment. Masonic—The following letter has been received by Bro. H. T. Gourlay, R.W. Dep. D.G.M., for Canterbury, S.C., from Bro. Rev. W. Ronaldaon, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, New Zealand :—" R W. Sir and Bro.—ln the absence of the R. W. Distiict G.M., Bro. C. Louisson, I am instructed to direct to your care a parcel containing the charters of Jodges which have been ordered by this Grand Lodge to be returned to R. W. Bro. Louisson." Thia is in pursuance of the resolution of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, that the charters of the Lodges formerly holding under the English and Scottish Constitutions should bo returned to the District Grand Masters.

Hurcnui Rabbit Board. — The regular monthly meeting of the Hurunui Rabbi* Board was held on September 17th. Present —Mr W. O. Rutherford (Chairman), and Messrs T. Chapmao, E. D. Giles, and G, Mcßae. Mr James Henderson also was present. Mr James Henderson read his re port for the past month, which was considered satisfactory. It was resolved— " That the attention of Mr J. C. Huddleston be called to the state of the pest on Happy Valley, and part of Glenmark and Balmoral Estates ; also two bundles laciug wire at Hurunui be sold to the Horaley Down Estate, also that the Clerk sell the 120 standards and 50 rollers at the Hurunui; also that Mr Earahman's offer to pay for the netting in front of his garden be accepted, p.nd that the wiro be given to him if he hangs the two wooden gates placed on his boundary." The Clerk was instructed to interview the manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Chriatchurch, and arrange for a small overdraft till the Board's fixed deposit of £2100 and interest thereon accrues, due in January, 1896.

Acknowledgements.— Mr Herrick desirea to acknowledge, with grateful thanks, receipt of the followiDg, which have been distributed during the past three weeks :— Clothing, &c, bag from Lyttelton, "Baptist," Hereford street Friend, per Chas. Clark, Mount Somers, Ballin Bros., Mesdames Dean, Cane, O'Bryen Hoare, McKenzie Gibson ((Just), Widdowson, Waymcuth, Tipping (Waikuku), and friends; boots, Friead; potatoes, MLra Waymouth, H. R. Butcher (Kaiapoi) ; dripping, Mrs Beswick; bread, Mrs Webley, Durham street Wesleyan Sunday-school; sheep, Canterbury Frozen Meat Company ; milk, Messrs Hill, H. Purdie and Mrs Julius; eggs, Mrs P. Duncan; sugar, Wcsleyau Church Relief Society; meat, Messrs H. Harris, Lane, Beswiok and Goode; periodicals, Messrs Fuller, Allan and C. Veal ; coal, J. T. Brown and Son ; cot and cradle, Mrs Kilmer ; matting, &c, Mrs E. Cane. The Secretary of the Christchurch Hospital desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of illustrated papers and cards for the children from Mrs Anderson, Opawa.

CIIRISTCUUBCH PROHIBITION LEAGUE.— The ordinary meeting wao held last evening. It was determined to draw tho attention of Mr G. J- Smith, M.H.R., to the fact that under clause 3 of tho present Licensing Amendment Bill, it was probable that two contrary determinations might be declared to be carried, the one abolishing all licenses, the other torbidding their reduction by more than 25 per cent. The Police Commissioner's report was considered, and the League atfirmed its conviction that, notwithstanding the unsatisfactory state of the licensing laws, convictions could be obtained if the police w ere in earnest in the matter. Correspondence was read from the Secretary of the Intercolonial Medical Congress, saying that it wae impossible to arrange for a general discuesion on the influence of alcohol on the human frame, as desired by the League, but that any member of the Congress could submit a paper on the subject that would lead to discussion. It was determined to communicate with Mr Keir Hardie, late M.P. for West Ham, England, with a view to arranging, if possible, for him to lecture under the auspices of the League during his approaching visit to the colony. On the report of a Sub-Committee, it was resolved to appoint a paid Secretary to the League, and the nomination of the Committee was unanimously and heartily adopted. St. Albans Wesleyan Church.—The St. Albau* Wesleyan Church quarterly meeting was held on Thursday evening. After tea in the Bible class room the meeting wa3 held in the adjoining school. The Kqv. J. A. Luxford presided. There were preaent the Rev. C. C Harrison and twentyrive members. The Sunday school reports were of a most encouraging nature. All the schools were requested to join the S.S. Union. The membership roll contained 311 names, an increase of five for the quarter. The income for the quarter was £143, and the expenditure £144. A resolution was unanimously carried endorsing the recommendation of the North Canterbury Circuit with regard to readjustment. It was decided to request the Conference to appoint a single minister or probationer to Papanui should Windsor be retained in the St. Albane Circuit. In the event of Conference deciding to transfer Windsor to Durham street the meeting regretted it could only undertake to support one minister, and requested the withdrawal of the second man. The Windsor representatives said that, after the North Canterbury recommendations, they felt strongly in favour of remaining with St. Albans. The Rev. J. A. Luxford was unanimomly invited to remain a third year in the circuit as Superintendent, and the Rev. C. Porter, of Malvern, was invited to succeed the Rev. C. C. Harrison at, Papanui. Mr Sam. H. Ferguson, of Canterbury College, was heartily recommended aa a candidate for training for the ministry. Efforts are to be made during the quarter to eitinguieh the circuit debt, and the Stewards were requested to take immediate action in conneocioa with the Papsnui parsonage affair*.

CiißiSTcnuncit Bowling Clus.— The season of the Christchurch Club will open to day at 2.50 r>. m,, when the match will be President v Vice-President.

Hosi'ZTAL Lady Visitors' Association. —The annual meeting of the hospital Lady Visitors' Associa'-ion and subscribers to the Destitute Patients' Fund will lake place on Monday next ac 3 p.m., ia the Hospital Board room.

Forestry. — The quarterly summoned meeting of Court Star of Canterbury will be held ou Monday next at 7.50 p.m. European Market Gardeners' Association. —A meauug of the members will be held at the City Hotel on Monday, October 7th, at 8 p.m. Volunteer Ciiuuck Parade.—The Volunteer Engineers will hold a Church parade to-morrow at St. Mary's. Addington. The corpa will fall in at the Drill Shed at 2.15 p.m. Lecture.—la the Opera House to-morrow eveuing Mr J. T. Marryat Hcrasby will repeat the lecture recently delivered by him on " Libels, &c." dwelling very largely on prohibitionists and their tactics. The Lyceum.—A very interesting lecture is announced to be given in the Lyceum tomorrow on "1003 Mile 3up the Nile," which will bo illustrated with limelight views of the chief places of interest.

St. Mary's Catholic Club.—There was a fair attendance of members present at the meeting of the Clab held on Monday evening. The programme of the evening was " Impromptu Speakiug." Temple of Truth.—At the Temple of hruth to-morrow, Mr Worthington will lecture at 11 a.m. on "Increase and Decrease," and at 7 p.m. on " Fishing." At the eveniug service the anthem will be " 0 praise the Lord" and a violin solo, •• Schummerlied," will be played.

Entertainment —An entertainment and concert will be given in the Sumner Town Hall on Tuesday evening, when a good programme will bs eubmiited. The proceeds of the concert will be devoted to providing the Sumuer Fire Brigade with uniforms. It may be noted ihat the members of the Brigade also belong to the Ambulance Corps and the lifeboat crew, so it 13 hoped the hall will ba crowded. Trams will leave after the performance for Christchurch.

Bcsiness Changes.—As will be seen by a notification elsewhere, Messrs Pyne and Co. have purchased the goodwill of Messrs Todhunter and Jennings' business, and Mr Jennings will join the firm of Pyne and Co. on Octobsr 21st. Mr Jennings, during his counection with hia own firm, has won for himself the esteem of his clients, and no doubt he will be equally successful in his new sphere. Theosopiiy.—To-morrow, at 3 p.m., in the lodge-room of the Theoaophical {Society, the subject for discussion wiil be " Theology and Tneosophy," a short comparative review of Bishop Butler andH. P. Blavatsky. The subjects for the following three Sundays this month will be "Man and the Universe," "The Three Objects of the T.S." and "Thought on the Astral Plane." As will be seen by notification elsewhere, the public are cordially invited. General Booth's Visit.—The programme of arrangements for the visic of General Booth appears elsewhere. On Saturday, October 12th, there will bo a reception at the railway station on the arrival of the 2.25 p.m. train. In the Opera House at 3 p.m. General Booth will speak on " The Present Position of the Salvation Army,' , when the Mayor of Christchurch will preside. Oα Sunday there will be religious meetings all day in the Opera House, and on Monday, October 14th, there will be meetings at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m. At the latter meeting Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., will preside.

National Association.—A meeting of the Council of the local section of the National Association was held at t.'te rooms. Morten's Buildings, on Thursday evening. The President, Mr Geo. Sw»nn, ooeupied the chair, and a large number of new members were elected. An amount of routine business was transacted, aud a discussion followed on the question of having printed some leaflets for distribution. A aub-committee was appointed to draw up and submit to next meeting a leaiiot, dealing with the rapid increase in the public debt of the colony and other matters. A resolution was pas3ed : —" That a letter be sent to the Secretary of the Auckland section, congratulating the Northern Association on its entry upon the fifth year of its existence, and wishing it every success."

r Palette Clue.—The Hanging Committee of the Palette Club are making good progress in their arrangements for the forthcoming Exhibition, which, both as regards quality of work and variety, promises to be an even greater success than that of last year. The local artists are well represented, and we understand that the Wellington Art Club are particularly strong. Nelson, too, has sent an excellent contribution. The following are the prize winnere in tha students' competition :—Mi3s Helen Gibson for landscape and seascape and Mr fct. J. Jenkins fer monochrome. Invitations have been sent out for the private view, which takes place on Monday evening next.

Magdala Asylum.—A year or ao ago the Roman Catholic Bishop of Curistchurch.Dr. Grime 3, established in hie diocese an annual collection in behalf of the Mount Magdala Asylum. To-morrow this yearly call upon the generosity of the chaiitable will be made in the Pro-Cathedral, Barbadoea street. The Rev. Father Ginaty, to whose philanthropy the institution owes its existence, will preach the charity eermons throughout the day at the Barbadoes street church. The former parishioners of the rev. gentleman will no doubt attend in large numbers to hear again the voice of their old Pastor, and will be pleased to cake advantage of the opportunity to contribute to the especial charity which Father Ginaty has so much at heart. As there are one hundred and four penitents, from all parts of the colony, in the Asylum, it will be readily understood that, after so severe a winter as that through which we have just passed, an addition to the funds would bo very welcome.

Railway Amateur Swimming Club.— The annual general meeting of this Club wae held in the Railway Goods' Office on Wednesday. Mr A. W. Mangan (Captain of the Club) occupied the Chair. The report of the last season showed that the Club was rapidly growing in popularity, there having been an increase in membership on the previous year from 81 to 101. The balance sheet, which shewed a credit of £2 7s 9d, and tho annual report were unanimously adopted. The following officers were elected : —Captain, Mr A. W. Mangan (re-eleoted); Secretary and Treasurer, Mr E. J. Lezard (re-elected); Starter and Judge, Mr M. Baxter; Committee, Messrs Ffitch, Denby, Sherwood, Gaw and G. Ray : Handicapping Committeet Messrs Ffitch, Carr and Lezird. A resolution— "That the Railway Swimming Club affiliate with the New Zealand Swimming Association"—was carried, Mr E. M. Carr being elected as delegate to represent the Club in Christchurch, and Mr Young as the Club's proxy in Auckland. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Secretary, to the prize givers, and to the Chair.

SON'S AND DAUGHTERS OP TEMPERANCE. Kaiapoi. —Again the Progre33 Division of tho Sons and Daughters of Temperance, Kaiapoi, have cause to be congratulated upon the success of the competition by boys and girla for singing, &c. The contest was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, at which there was a large gathering. Mr G. H. Biackwell presided. Forty-four entered the lists for competition, and it occupied some time to decide the awards. Book 3to the value of £5 were distributed, and were of a kind which seemed to be much appreciated. The judges were — For recitations, Meaers R. J- Alexander, YT. H. Herbert, M.A., and Rev. J.Dellow; for musical selections, Miss S. J. Wilson, Mrs Dellow, Mrs F. Parnham, Mrs Smalley, and Messrs R. Elakeley and J. H. Blackwoll. The award* were :—Recitations, boy 3 under 10 years—Kenneth Dellow 1, John Wilson 2, W. TourfU 3; girls under 10 years— Sophia B&rdon 1, Ida Tourell 2; girU under 14 years — Annie Christie 1, Gertrude Featherstone 2, Kate Horneblow 3, Edith Smith 4; boys under 14 years—Arthur Pickering 1, Ben Hendy 2. Singing, girls under ten years, Martha McMinney 1, Lacy Meneer 2, Stella Brown 3 ; boys under ten years, Claude Brown and Harry Herbert equal; girls under fourteen years, Mary McKinney 1, Vie Featherstone 2, Mary Leathern and Vera Deliow equal ; boys under fourteen years, Geo. FawcetD 1 any age, Edith Hayman 1, Bella Simpson 2 Pianoforte selections, girls under fourteen years, Ethel Baker 1, Maud Baker 2 ; boys under fourteen years, Augu3tu3 1; boys under ten years, Peter Haddrell. The proceedings terminated by the singing of the National Anthem.

Tench for Pjako.—A number of these fish were dispatched by the s.s. Tukapuua from the Opaxa fish-breeding establishment to the order ot Mr W. t>. Allen. Tench are a useful tish in swampy water, clearing it of mosquiios and other noxious insects, and afford capital sport during a portion of the summer School Excursions. —Yesterday the Kaiapot Borough School pupils and teachers, mail about 225, visited the Industrial Exhibition. About 250 children, parents, and teachers from the Balcairn and Leithfield districts also arrived by the same train, and visited the Exhibition and the Museum. Canterbury Bowling Club. —We are requested to state tnao the otiicial opening of the Canterbury Bowling Green will not take place until Saturday, the 12th inst., but members are reminded that play will commence to-diy, starting at 2.30 p.m. Narrow Escape.—During the progress of the tire at M. Hirris and Sons a lad, who was riding a bicycle along Hereford street, had a very narrow escape from death. A hansom dashed round the corner of the Bank of New Zealand from Colombo street and was on top of the youthful cyclist before he could get out of the way. With wonderful presence of ,mind, the boy threw the bicycle away from him and dodged under the horse's neck and thus escaped. Not so his machine, however. That was run over and smashed up by the han3oni. Some excuse may be found for drivers at the time of a fire, but, really, the way in which some of them take the corners, when the by-laws provide that this shall be done at a walking pace, is, to say the least, risky.

Rangiora Tennis Clue. —The annual meeting was held ou Thursday in the Literary Institute, Mr E. R. Good, VicePresident, in the chair. There was a fair attendance. The balance-sheet showed a debit of £20 4a 4d. A satisfactory report was read by the Hon. Secretary, Mr Geo. Fisher. Votes of thanks were passed to the Secretary and the ladiee who had provided afternoon tea. The officers elected were—President, Dr. R. Volckman; Vice-Presidents, Mr E. R. Good, Dr. iJaber and Mr G. Shoreland ; Secretary, Mr F. J. Cumberworth ; Treasurer, Dr. Volckman ; Committee, Messrs VV. Gower, G. Fi3her, W. Blackett. E. VV. Relpli, VV. D. Bean and J. Sansom ; Match Committee, Dr. Biibar, Messrs Fisher and Gower aad the Secretary. A proposition to increase the subecriptioD, after diucussion, was negatived. It was decided that subscriptions be paid within one month. It wa3 decided to ask tho Committee to call a special meeting to consider the question of putting down a second court at au early date. The ladies' days were fixed for Tuesdays and Fridays, and the opening day was fixed for October 12th.

TEACHERS , COURT OF APPEAL.

At a meeting of the New Zealand Educational Institute correspondence was received re the Teachers' Court of Appeal Bill from various Auckland members, promising tc support the measure when it came before Parliament.

BOILED DOWN.

Under this heading, the Southland Times says :— A quiet going citizen who has a big streak of humour in his composition, sums up the Colonial Treasurer's reply to Mr Earnsbaw's question re pre-emptive use of the telegraph wires thus :—"I never did it ; but I wish I had the man who let it out. "

A SURPRISE,

A resident in Masterton the other day found awaiting him at his office a little box, on the lid of which were printed the words :—" Dose—two to six at bedtime." Feeling curious as to the contents, he opened the box, and discovered two live beetles of an uncommon variety, intended for the local Museum ! He took them—but not at bedtime.

RECIPROCITY WITH CANADA.

A public meeting, convened by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, will be held in Wellington on Monday to hear Mr Larke, agent for the Canadian Government in Australasia, in reference to questions of trade reciprocity and telegraph communication with the Dominion.

THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE.

Last month twenty-nine estates were placed in the hands of the Public Trustee. The largest were:—Charles Dakin, Carterton, £16,000; Alfred Hollies, Auckland, £4000 ; William J. Wilson, Christchurch, £2000 ; Henry H. Lord, Auckland, £1100 ; James T. Thompson, Sanson, £450 ; Robert Walls, Canterbury, £400 ; Francis J. Gibbs, Chatham Inlands, £330; Robert Bowles, Canterbury, £200.

STRIKE OF BOYS.'

A Press Association telegram from Auckland reports a strike of boys employed in the Auckland Rope and Twine Works. One boy was discharged, whereat a number of his comrades were indignant, and refused to start till he was taken on again. The Manager refused, and eleven boys stood out, and refused to go to work again, while the rest went to work. The malcontents are now locked out, and the boys who stuck to their work are getting increased wages.

NEW ZEALAND TRAMPS,

At a meeting of the Wellington Benevolent Trustees thi3 week one of the members stated that within a fortnight about seventeen men had called at his home at Pahautanui, tut only one had asked for work, the remainder wanting food. Other settlers had met with similar cases. Subsequently Mr Bradey informed a representative oi the Post that, following out an old dodge practised in Australia, he had known instances where a body of men would camp within a convenient distance of a settlement for nearly three week 3. In the daytime they would visit the settlers' houses, asking for food ; in fact, they lived in good style, and disdained all invitations to work.

THRIFr NOT ENCOURAGED,

The Bangitikei Advocate publishes the following paragraph :—" A boy in the employ of a business man at Feilding, and earning 7s a week, managed recently to save and bank £4. This coming to the knowledge of some of his companions they twitted him to such a degree for what they termed his meanness, that he drew the whole of it out and spent it. On going to Sandon shortly afterwards to see his grandmother, the old lady said, ' I hear, John, you have drawn out all your money and spent it. , ' Yes,' said the boy, * the Banks are in such a condition just now that there is no encouragement for thrift.'"

THE ROIMATA SETTLEMENT.

The bulk of the land comprising the Roimata Settlement, at Opawa, has been broken up with the plough, chiefly for the purpose of putting in crops of potatoes, while in one or two instances the lessees have sown grain. A good deal of fencing has been done, mostly with stakes and wires, and four or five sections have been planted with fruit trees. iiessre Quintcn and Sullivan are having houses erected on their sections, and with the exception of a small hue, these are the only building 330 far ou tho settlement. Tenders will close to-day for the formation of Parkes street, which runs through the settlement, and the drainage should be improved thereby. Several of the sections, especially in the centre of the settlement, appear to have suffered through the wet weather from want of a meana of getting the water away.

ADMISSIBILITY OF A CONFESSION.

The Parliamentary Reporterof theDunedin Star, referring to the case at lavercargill, in which a boy'e confession, was not admitted, en the ground that there was promise of favour, viz., " If you tell mc all about it I will not lock you up," says " singularly enough both Mr Justice Williams and the Crown Prosecutor eeem to have over-looked v clause in the Evidence Further Amendment Act passed this session, which provides lor the admissibility of a confession notwithstanding a promise or a threat. This clause, which was inserted by the Council at Mr MacGregor'e instance, says:—' No confession which is tendered in evidence on any trial shall be rejected on the ground that a promise or a threat has been held oat

to the person confessing, unless the Judge or other presiding officer shall be of opinion that the inducement was really calculated to cause an untrue admission of guilt to be made.' "