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Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 91, 17 April 1889, Page 4

A matter of the greatest importance to local bodie. cJ has just transpired in connection with the repeal of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act, passed last session. By the provisions of. that Act rates levied before its passing have to be paid on Crown lands in full, and under that designation are rates previously levied for the purpose of repaying- or paying interest on loans ; but the Government have ignored that provision ia paying rates to the Palmerston Borough Council, and only paid over half the rates, as provided by Act in tiie case of the ordinary rate. Alter some months'vigorous correspondence, Mr R. N. Keeling (Town Clerk) has compelled tho Department to hand over balf of the rates kept back over sixteen years, and a rate extending over thirty yeare. The total paid to the borough is at least i' 3,000. Tho action of the Department in keeping back the money savours a good deal oi sharp practice, and it is as well that other local bodies should be on their guard.

Our cablegrams recently announced that William 111., King of the Netherlands, had been declared by the Ministry to be imbecile, and consequently incapable of governing the country. The King had had a paralytic stroke, and hi 3 physician? entertain no hopes of his recovery. The event wa*, till lately, greatly dreaded in Holland, because with the King the direct mule line of Orange-Nas?au ends ; but it appears to be understood that a peaceful succession has been provided for. The King's daughter, Princess Wilhelmina, a child of eight years, succeeds to the throne of Holland under a regency, and Luxemburg passes away from the dynasty, falling to the Grand Duke of Nassau.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's R.M.s. Rimut.ika will call at Auckland about the end of this month to load up with frozen meat. There was not sufficient inducement offered the Company to fit up a cool chamber for dairy produce and fruit.

The Harbour Board have decided not to appoint another arbiter in the dispute with Mr Pierce Lanigun respecting the Calliope Dock contract. They have decided to let Mr Lanigan seek bis remedy in the Supreme Court.

The friends of the present system of state education have been somewhat alarmed by rumours chat the Premier, in assuming the vacant portfolio of Education, will bring his "denominational" proclivities into prominence to the danger of the present system of secular education. It is stated, however, on reliable authority, that the Government have no intention of interfering either with the principles of the present system or with the teaching staff.

The Board of Reviewers appointed for the Waikato under the property tax assessment regulations, have made the f6)lowing fixtures :—They will sit ab Hamilton on. 6th, Cambridge Bth", Te Awamutu 17th, and Huntly 15t.h May.

An authoritative narrative of the proceedings in Cabinet relating to the celebrated beer duly prosecutions in Wellington is in course of preparation, and it will, no doubt, be a document of unusual interest. The Customs still retain possession of the Junction Brewery plant and premises confiscated because of the late conviction, and so far the Cabinet has not shown any signs of acceding to the prayer of a petition for reduction of the penalty imposed.

A letter was read after Major Hamlin's address at Waiuku on Saturday evening, re calling a meeting of farmers for the purpose of discussing the Auckland Grocers' Association. The idea took at once, and an expression of opinion would have taken place then but for the lateness of the hour, but it was proposed and carried unanimously that the Chairman of the Waiuku and Waipipi Road Boards call a meeting as early as possible to deal with the matter. A meeting hag since been called for Wednesday, the 24th, and a large attendance is expected.

Sir Robert Stout, speaking at the opening of the new Chemical Lecture Hall, Invercargill, last evening, said that the educational system of the colony would nob be complete till the poorest children in it bad free access to the High School.

We have to record the decease at Gisborne of one of our oldest nettlers, Mr Jas. Davis, late of Waimate, Bay of Islands. Mr Davis arrived in Now Zealand on the 15th August, 1024, being then six years old, with his father, tho late Rev. Richard Davis, missionary. In the early ■ days of the colony he was employed in the Native Department, under Lieut.-Governor Hobson, but: after a short time, throwing up his appointment, turned his attention to farming. Mr Davis was a direct lineal descendant of the O'Donnells, of Ulster, who. together with the O'Neills, were expatriated for their rebellion soon after James I. came to the throne. The O'Donnells took refuge first in Rome, but subsequently removed to Wales, where the family changed their name to that of Davis, finally settled in Devonshire, England, from whence they emigrated to New Zealand. The late Mr Davis's connections both in this colony and in Australia are exceedingly numerous. He has left of his own immediate descendants three daughters and four grandchildren. Mr Davis was twice married ; first to Miss Caroline Iselton, and secondly, of late years, to Miss Frances A. Goodwin, who survives him. Two of his daughters by the first marriage are married to well-known colonist?—Mr James Coney, of the Thames Postal Department, and Mr Kenneth Watkins, the artist of this city. Mr Davis was well versed in all tho legendary law of tho ancient Maori, and was consequently held in great esteem by all the Northern chiefs. He was also one of the originators of the present Native Lands Court. His great knowledge of the Maori language also enabled him to assist the Vcn. Archdeacon Maunsell in revising the translation of the Maori Bible.

Th 9 sudden death of a Mr George Murray, of Crosstown, Mangapai, is reported. Deceased wr<s at tea on the evening of tho 12th inst., wiien he felt unwell and want to his bedroom. He was followed in by Mrs Muriay, who found him lying on his bed with his eyes partly closed. Medical aid was sought, but life was extinct. Mr Murray was an old colonist, as he came out thirty-one years ago and settled in Otago, afterwards removing to Opotiki, from whence he shifted to Mangapai some seven years ago. He was very popular in the district, and much sympathy was expressed for his wife and family.

On Monday a young man named John Henderson was committed to the Old People's Refuge. Last night he had to be remanded to the Police Station, as he had apparently become raving mad. There is something queer about this man. He first came under the notice of the police, about a month ago, when he was found by a Samoan lying insensible on the roadside of Okura. The man was aubsequently brought into the Hospital by Constable Cotter. Here ho remained for some time, when the doctor dismissed him under the impression that he was shamming. The man was later on arrested in a miserable condition and committed to the Refuge, where he has now developed still worse symptoms.

To the Editor : Sir, —Will you permit me through your columns to suggest what I think will meet the views of many citizens, viz., that among other ways of welcoming the Governor, the bells in the Library tower bo rung together with the usual salute with them which is common in the Old Country on Royal and other like occasions. Not wishing to occupy your space further, —I am, etc., Bell.

Writing from Mangaia, one of the South Sea Islands, Mrs Harris, wife of the missionary there, expresses acknowledgments to triends in .Blenheim for boxes of clothing and other articles forwarded for the natives some time back. The writer says: "Perhaps you have heard that we are no longer an isolated group, living in inortnl fear of the French taking us, but are now really part and parcel of the British Empire. I believe a requisition was sent to the Home Government asking them to take possession of these islands, consequently a man-of-war, the Hyacinth, was sent down from Ho.nolulu for the purpose of hoisting the British Hag on the group. It was a grand day of excitement for ua all." In the afternoon the liag was hoisted, and tho ship saluted it with a volley from 25 guns, which terminated the ceremony."

At Rahatu flax mill, New Plymouth, today,a man named Bishop was caught in the machinery and very much hurt.

Henry Mays was arrested this morning by Constable Mackay on a warrant of commitment for having failed to pay £2 11s Coui t oosts in a case in which he was defendant with regard to having gathered rock oysters during the close season. The prisoner was committed to gaol for fourteen days,

To the Editor: Sir, —If all retail buyers of drapery and clothing would but endeavour as far as possible to strictly abstain from purchasing after 6 p.m. (Saturdays excepted) it would indeed be a beneficial kindness towards shop assistants, inasmuch as such action would at once tend to decide concerning the necessity of maintaining the present twelve-hour system which prevails, with one or two noble exceptions, in the districts of Newton, Ponsonby and Parnell. If customers would only henceforth thus take action an opportunity for more home-culturo would be afforded, and, in the case of youth and young men, of mental self-improvement, from which such are now virtually almost cut off. Of course, a few might, through want of thought, drift into the silly dance or the intoxicating rink, but not 80 all.—l am, &c., N.Z.

The Bluespur mining dispute in Otago has assumed a new phase, the Consolidated Company having giveu notice of action against the Otago Company unless moneys paid under contract are refunded. Misrepresentation by the vendors is alleged,

A very successful trial of the Msfaim gun was made at Dunedin yesterday. Mosb of the volunteer officers in the district, MajorGeneral Strange, Major Goring, arid a number of ladies and civilians were present, and they were all highly pleased with the results of the trial. It was shown that it was almost impossible for a body of men to advance against the fire of the gun, for it discharged its bullets like hail with unfailing accuracy.

The quarterly comparative return of the revenue of the Harbour Board is roosb satisfactory. The neb revenue for quarter ending March, 1889, amounted to £7,311 19s Id, while that for the same quarter of last year was £6,203 10s 7d, giving an increase of £1,103 8s 6d. The principal items of increase were—£2,7Bo 8s for contractors' deposits, £687 19s Id for rentts, £367 4s 3d for export wharfage. £117 17s 5d for storage. The goods wharfage showed a decrease of £238 6s Bd, and fees ub the Auckland Dock £171 15s'8d.

The ordinary meeting of the City Schools Committee was held last evening, when Messrs Gorrie, Crowther, IFarrell, Blades, Walker and Ussher were present. An application was received from Captain Kohn, on behalf of the Garrison Band, asking for the use of a room in the Wellesley-street School for practice on two days in the week. The application was refused, as the Committee did not care to take the responsibility owing to the risk from fire, to which the Government in a circular lately drew attention. Mr Harrison, of the Beresfordstreeb School, again complained of the school water supply. The meter in use had registered a consumption of 21,000 gallons since 28th February. This was twice that of any one quarter for a number of years. The Committee decided to take the necessary steps to remedy the matter. Mr Worthington forwarded some specimens of excuses sent to him, complaining of them. These were very frivolous.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board held yesterday, it was decided to extend the contract for the pilot service with the Tug Company for another twelve months. The Board have the power of determining the contract if the San Francisco mail service is discontinued.

The Harbour Board having consented to erect a coal berth at the Birkenhead wharf, and to put up a waiting room, tenders for the work were opened yesterday, when that of Mr J. Fury, of £193, was accepted. Mr H. Brett secured the tender for the construction of hoardings with the righb of posting bills.

Mr J. Savage, the new member of the Harbour Board, representing the Borough of Parnell in the place of Mr D. H. McKenzie, was appointed a member of the Works and Tariff Committee of the Board yesterday. Mr Savage gave notice of motion to move, " That the Board consider the question of taking measures for the protection of life on the wharves in the harbour."

Thomas Doughty, on several charges of larceny extending over nearly twelve months, was yesterday sentenced at Christchurch to twelve months' imprisonment on three of them. Accused was captured through taking an auctioneer's own harness to his place of business for eale. Then other thefts were discovered.

Augustus Mann was committed for trial at Christenurch yesterday on a charge of the larceny of a number of articles frocn his employer, Mr H. R. Webb, which he had sold at different times during the last six months to a second-hand dealer named Mai ton.

In the case against Christie, sentenced at Oamaru to four months under the Bankruptcy Act, it appears that Judge Ward committed him to the common gaol of Oamaru, but as there is no common gaol there the quashing of the conviction will probably follow in conformity with the ruling in Garvey'a case.

The termination of the bootmakers' strike at Christchurch may now be looked for as a matter of course. We learn by wire that the foreman at O'Brien's factory, about whom the operativea were on strike, has resigned. It is expected the men will resume work.

An Oamaru telegram states that Barbury, the local manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, has sold about 2,000 acres of Marewhenua, tabled Barton's estate, for £11 per acre cash to Charles Nichols, of Wyndham, Southland. The same agent also sold several small farms in the Waitaki district at from £10 to £12 per acre. He reports there is considerable demand for such properties.

A woman named Greenwood, wife of a bailiff at Napier, was found dead in bed last evening. She was suffering from drink, and lay down on her bed. She took some tea at six o'clock, and at seven was found dead. She had drunk a bottle of aconite lotion, it is believed, in mistake for spirits.

At a meeting of ladies interested in having a separate ward for women in connection with the Dunedin Hospital, after an address by Dr. Batchelor those present agreed to collect a certain sum each, by which means the necessary amount will, it is believed, be speedily raised.

Very few copies of a large edition of the special supplement now remain on hand, and we would therefore remind those who intend sending to friends at a distance authentic particulars of the late disastrous hurricane at Samoa that early application is necessary. The published price is one

penny.

Triple-expansion engines have taken complete hold of the marine engineering faculty at Home. The latest is that the doubleturret ship Thunderer and the Devastation, a vessel of the same class, are to be fitted with triple-expansion engines from the Ptoyal yard, the Portsmouth yard. It takes a good deal of persuasion to get tbß Admiralty to take a new departure, and perhaps rightly so. The triple expansion, however, has advantages irresistible.

A young man named Hobbs came into Hamilton from Hautapu on Monday afternoon, suffering from the sting; of a bee in the throat. A good deal of inflammation had been setup, and Mr Hobbs experienced considerable difficulty in breathing. I>r. Kennv was called in and prescribed, find the young man was enabled to return to his home considerably relieved.

A meeting of the Anti-Poverty Association was held ab the Cook-street Hall last evening for open discussion of the Land Tax. There was a fair attendance, and Mr A, Kelly occupied the chair. Mr Plafct opened the discussion, adducing arguments in favour of a land tax as opposed to the property tax, and he was supported by Messrs Cowley, Withy, junr., Farnall and Harvey. The meeting was remarkably unanimous, and opponents of a _ land tax were only conspicuous by their absence. Dr. Wilkins announces that his new suite of consulting rooms, which he takes possession of next Monday, will include an electrical department fitted with the latest appliances. The doctor ha 3 been using electricity freely for some time past, and with remarkable success. Chronic cases of indigestion and stomach complaints have readily yielded to its influence, and within the last day j or two a case of sciatica of seven years' standing, and another of eighteen months', have been cured by electricity alone. Numerous other diseases of a complicated nature have been readily overcome* when the ordinary allopathic medicines would have failed in their object. Dr. Wilkins is confident that eighteen cases of disease out of every twenty can be either cured or alleviated by his treatment. Allopathic remedies are used wherever necessary, but the doctor depends almost entirely upon electrical treatment, which, the doctor states, is move pleasant) than painful.

The business places of the Hebrew members of the community were closed ye«tßr day on account of the feast of the Passover I his commenced on Monday evening and lasts until Monday next, extending over seven days. The service at the Synagogue yesterday morning was attended by all of the Jewish persuasion, and the Rev. S Goldstein delivered a sermon on the festival they are celebrating, which has beea kept from year to year since the exodus trom Egypt, •

Professor Milo Moss, who lately opened a gymnasium in ihe old Baptist Church in YVellesley-streeb West, gave a 'gymnastic disp.ay last evening. The entertainment consisted of the usual exercises with dumbells, Indian clubs, etc., with feats on the bars, rings, and military horse by the Professor and his pupils. There was a very good attecdance of spectators, who by frequent applause showed their appreciation of the display.

There is a very nasty slipping near the Northcote Wharf, and in order to prevent) damage to the road the County Council wish to cart a portion of the slipping away They desired to place this earth on the right-hand side of the wharf, forming a reclamation of some 80ft. square. A letter asking for permission to deposit the earth where required, and also for a grant of £100 towards facing it, was received. The matter was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee to view the place and report on it. Last evening the third performance of Hugo's Buffalo Minstrels again drew a crowded and enthusiastic house in Abbott's Opera House. The various mirth-exciting items on the programme were, as usual uproariously received, and the songa were invariably encored. The same programme will be presented this evening. On Good Friday night a grand sacred concert will be given by the Buffaloes, assisted by some of our best local vocalists. On Saturday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock a grand matinee performance will be given, when a children's programme will be presented at specially cheap prices.

It i 8 refreshing to find that we are nob devoid of men who are philanthropically inclined. Even an out-of-the-way place like Matamata can boast of one, for Mr J. Simp, son of that hamlet was entitled to £2 Is from the Piako County Council for collecting the dog tax, and he sent a letter to the Clerk, asking him to forward it to the Waikato Hospital as a donation.

"The Crucifixion," to be sung at Sfc. Paul's Church on Good Friday evening, is an entirely new work composed by Sir John Stainer in the form of a musical meditation on the Passion of our Lord. Though printed in the form of an oratorio, there are several portions which are appointed to be sung by choir and congregation. The music throughout is dramatic and full of that pathos which the sacred tragedy demands, and which the able composer can so skilfully supply. The chorales and synopsis of the work have been printed in pamphlet for distribution among the congregation so that they may be able, if so disposed, to add their praise and adoratioa to that of the choir.

To the Editor : Sir, —Will "you permib me to correct a slight error in your last) evening's issue in reference to my trip to the , Hot Lakes. It was entirely a business trip/ and not a holiday, as stated ?— Mr L. Dunbar, as usual, going ahead asagent and playing Pompey in my original Maccabian Entertainment, Miss Levy a3 pianist and vocalist. I must fully admit in the case it was business combined with pleasure. We played to three crowded houses at the Palace Hotel, thanks to the extreme kindness of the proprietor, 'one night at Oxford, and two at Huntly on the return, to first-class business. The times are fcoo depressed for me to afford myself such a luxury as a fortnight'sholiday, and the coupling of my name with that of a single gentleman (except in business) ia apt to be misunderstood.— Geobgie Smithson, Waverley Hotel.

The blowing of steam whistles in the harbour is often quite a nuisance, and people have frequently wished to have a stop put to the1 practice. At the Harbour Board meeting yesterday, Mr Button moved as follows in the matter:—"Thab the Works aud Tariff Committee be' instructed to prepare and submit to this Board a by-law regulating the use of steam whistles within the limits of the harbour." He made reference to the nuisance having become intolerable. The motion Tras passed.

At a Council meeting of tha Gospel Temperance Mission held yesterday Mr W. R. Cook expressed bis desire to resign the office of Hon. Secretary. All present very much regretted his having to do so, and passed a hearty vote of thanks for the valuable services he had rendered to the causa during the last two years. Mr Cook, in acknowledging the compliment, intimated he should still devote his energies to the work, and was sure the gentleman who had consented to fill his place would be diligent in the interests of the mission. Mr JI R. Hooper was then unanimously elected Hon. Secretary for the current year. An Executive Committee was elected, four of the number being ladies. It wa3 resolved to recommend the Executive to arrange for weekly socials, especially for the working classes, and also "that conferences be held in different parts of Auckland, in drawingrooms or public balls, as is thought best. The ministers of the various churches are to be invited to arrange i&l week night meetings under the auspices of the mission. The desirability of appointing a paid lady visitor was considered, when it was thought the Executive should first find a suitable lady for the work and before engaging her a'guarantee fund be secured to defray one year's charge. The Sunday night meetings are to be discontinued "after this month during the winter, unless suitable premises can be found in Queenstreet.

Last evening the anniversary soiree and annual meeting in connection with tnß Alexandra - street Primitive Methodist Church was held, and was largely attended. At the tea-table Mesdames Mewburn, Saunders, Hall, Little, Smith and Nwhol presided. The public meeting in tlie church was presided over by the Rev. A. J. Smith. The financial report was read by Mr David Goldie, and showed that thera was a debit balance for the year of ±35 49 sd. The receipts from the whole station had been £815 17s sd, being a weekly average of £15 13s 9d. During the evening actdresses were delivered by the Revs. « ooaward, Laycock, and G. Warner, the Primitive Methodist evangelist from England.

! Contain Edwin wires at 2.40 p. ra . : ,Jwv indication for unusually low tides 01 24 hours from noon to-day and for froafc to-niel I*-"1*-" T i ie Hawera District Court has been enrt nted for wo clays heaving an action, E, Council v. Standard Insurance n mnanv to recover £200 on a fidelity bond S by the Company in respect of G. V. T\l The defence was principally that The . nlaintiif county bad not observed the JSuditions of the contract, in that checks „?na-h balance and yearly audit oi accounts Jad not been applied The jury found for the defendants, with costs.

The erobroglio which occurred last Saturj. v ; n the Chinese quarters is to form the Jnbieob of a Police Court investigation, four informations having being laid. The JZ*a will be heard on 1 needay ov WednesA>v next by the Resident Magistrate. Mr He=kefch appears for one party, and Dr. Loisbley for the other.

Mr H. H. Adams received tenders for the erection of a building at Te Avoha, wherein I W ill carry on the flax industry on part of i he property lie recently purchased from the Bank of New Zealand, known as Carr's. The proposed building will measure 35ft x 25ft, and the tender of Mr J. Cornea, at £40, was accepted.

Captain Corbett, whoso jovial face was well-known in Auckland, died yesterday in the Hamilton Hospital. He was only received \n the Hospital the day oefore from Te Aroha. The immediate causo of death was mortification of the stump of his amputated le". It Will be remembered by many that he lost his leg in consequence of its beinc caught in tho bight of a rope as the vessel on which he was standing was hauling alongside tho Auckland wharf roa ny years ago. He wm the eon of the late Major - General Corbett, and Jheld Her Majesty's Commission. He is mentioned in the " .Defenders of New Zealand." The members of the Society of Friends in Auckland have purchased an allotment near the top of Wakefield-streefc on the east «icJe with a sum of money which was forwarded out from Friends at Home. It is intended to erect a hall in brick capable of accommodating 100 persons. It is estimated that there are about 30 Quakers in the city of Auckland.

On Monday eveniner last the members and friends of the Auckland Harmonic Society held a social in Sfc. George's Hall, Kevvton. Between 60 and 70 were present, the fair sex being slightly in the majority. A very pleasant evening was spent, and the following program me was gone through with zestancl spirit:—Song, "Aloneon theßaft," Mr Criglington ; reading (selected), Mr Younf- son>, "Alas, Those Chimes," Miss B Harvey; duet, "The Larboard Watch," Messrs Worvall and Williamson ; pianoforte solo " The March," Miss Bertha Haywood ; S on^ "Estudicntina," Madame Pooley ■ pianofortednet, Schulhoff s "Grand Waltz," Misses Woodward and Lye; song, "The Bridge," Mrs Haywood; duet, "The Flower Gatherers," Misses Thode ; song, "Come Again." Mrs Butler; song, " Ora Pro Nobis," Mrs Barrett; song, "Lord Chancellor"' ("lolanthe"), Mr Young. Miss Lye and Mr Pooley kindly acted as accompanists. Messrs (Vorrall and Young performed their duties as M.C.'s in an able and satisfactory manner.

The Waiuku and Onehunga S.N. Company announce the running of their steamers at reduced rates during Easter. This is taking a step in the right direction, as if railway companies run cheap trips, I think shipping companies ought to do likewise. I feel certain a large number of people will avail themselves of the opportunity. —(Correspondent).

As usual, during the Easter holidays the Railway Department notify that special arrangements and excursion fares will have force from to-day up to Tuesday next. Special reductions are made in the fares to Waikato stations. On Good Friday a cheap excursion train will run to Ts Aroha and Te Awamutu, leaving Auckland at 7 a.m., Onehunga at 7.15 a.m., reaching Te Aroha at 1.15 p.m. and Te Awamutu at 12.30. The train returning leaves Ts Awamutu at 6.40 p.m., Te Aroha at 6 p.m., and arrives in town at 12.15 a.m. The fares, which are very moderate for the distance, are either available for the day of issue only or for return by any train up to May 7th. On Good Friday a day excursion will be made to Holensville.thetrain leaving Auckland at 9.15 a.m., and arriving in town again at 8.40 p.m., and the return fares are firsfc-class 7s, gecond-class ss. On Saturday and Monday next a constant train service will be kept up to the Ellerslie Racecourse platform, and on Easter Monday a train from Waikato and Te Aroha will convey excursionists to the races.

The usual meeting of the Ark of Eden Lodge, 1.0. G.T., No. 52, waa held last evening in the Eden Hall, Bro. Williams, W.C.T., presiding. The members of the Star of Newton Lodge, No. 4, paid an official visit, and were cordially welcomed. After a considerable amount of business had been transacted, harmony was proceeded with, the following contributing items :— Sisters Gardiner and Walsh, and B'-os. Williams (2), Anderson, Pine, and Ferguson.

Last evening the half-yearly meeting of master plumbers of Auckland was held in Robson's Rooms, Queen-street. There was a good attendance of plumbers, and af tor consideration of various matters affecting the trade the following officers, who held office durinsr the past term, were re-elected ; President, Mrß. Sc'nenk; Vice-President, E. Lonergan; Hon. Secretary, F. Fowler; Treasurer, R. Tudehope.

Elsewhere in our columns will be found the DevonportFerry Co. 'snotificnfcion of their Easter steamer excursions. On Good Friday steamers will run regularly to St. Helier's Bay throughout the day, and this favourite wat.cring-place is sure to attract a very large number of holiday-maker?. At 9 a.m and 2 p.m. the same day a steamer will be despatched to the fishing-grounds, returning at 12.30 p.m. and 6 p.re., at specially cheap rates. At 2 p.m. a steamer leaves on an sxcursion down the harbour, passing between the Islands of Motutapu and Waiheke, rounding Mofcuihi, and returning skirting the shore of the Tatnaki and Motnkorea, calling for a short stay at St. Helier's Bay. Thfs trip should prove the most enjoyable one of the day. On. Easter Monday, in addition to the usual extra service elsewhere, the Company will send the p.s. Osprey to Motutapu for the convenience of excursionists wishing to spend a holiday at the island home of Messrs Reid Bros. The Osprey leaves the Ferry Tee at 9.30 and 12 noon, returning from Home Bay at 6 p.m.

Mr Golrlie announces a sale of dogs at the City kennels at noon to-morrow. There are about a dozen dogs to be sold.

We call the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column notifying a change in the local management of the North British Mercantile Insurance Company's agency here It will be seen that Mr J. Hugo Harrop is now the representative of" the office lor the Auckland province, and we congratulate the Company upon having secured the services of a gentleman so well known and qualified for the position.