SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1801, 30 April 1874, Page 3

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(Per Anglo-Australian Telegraph Pres3 Ageney.)

Auokund, Wednesday.

The half-yearly meeting of shareholders in the Bank of New Zealand was held to-day. The chairman commented on the increased business, as evidenced in the report. He said the figures in the balance-sheet would prove to the share-, holders that the bank had well sustained an increasing business. The circulation and deposits exhibited a satisfactory increase, and there had been a corresponding extension in the bank's advances. The profit and loss account also showed a gratifying result, which was due partly to an increase of business and partly to better rates having ruled during a portion of the half-year. The banks in New Zealand have recently been doing business two per cent, lower than those of Australia, but the rates were now assimilated to those ruling in adjacent colonies. The prospects for the future were good, though he would guard shareholders against having their expectations raised too high, as the profits were liable to disturbance from a lowering of rates, and possibly from increased competition. As to the latter cause he might remind them that it was usually thought New Zealand was already overbanked, but if there was a necessity for further bank accommodation he was sure none of those present would object to the advent of another rival. The trade of the colony was sound. Prices of the chief staple production were well maintained, and an increase of trade was certain to cause an increase of banking business. It was reasonable to expect that this bank, holding the important position it did in the colony, would have its share of the increase, and he hoped that at the next meeting the chairman would be ablo to announce a result at least as gratifying as that now laid before them. The motion for the adoption of the report was seconded by Dr. J. L. Campbell, and carried unanimously.—Thomas Eussclb Esq., was the only candidate for the vacant seat at the Board, and he was declared duly elected, the chairman remarking that Mr Eussell was expected home early in June.—The Hon. H. E» Eussell, of Napier, moved a vote of thanks to the directors and officers.—The report set forth that the net profit to 31st March, after making allowance for bad debts and depreciation, was £41,820; balance of undivided profit, £8,892; total available for division, £50,712. The following appropriation was recommended:—Dividend at the rate of 10 per cent., £30,000; bonus of 2f, £7,500; balance to be carried to profit and loss new account, £13,212.— Sharemarket: Sales: Caledonian, £9; City of London, 21s 6d; Bird-in-Hand (paid-up), 245; Coliban, 10s; Cure, 10s; Nonpareil, 6s; Nation Bank, 753; South British, 525; Otago, 13s; Italian, 2s; Old Whau, £4 12s. Buyers: Crown Prince, 19s; Thames, 62s 6d; Buby, 7s; Windsor Castle, 3s; City of York, 2s; Golden Calf, lis.— The Melanesiau Mission steamer • Southern Cross' has been fully fitted up in a first-class style, and leaves shortly for Norfolk Island.—ln the Supreme Court Mr McOormiok, in the case Donnelly v. Eraser, an appeal from the decision of the Thames magistrate by which plaintiff was imprisoned for wife's offence, applied that the rule be made absolute, there being no appearance on Captain Eraser's behalf. The Court granted the rule,quashing the conviction. This course is preliminary to an action for false imprisonment againstthe Thames magistrate. Eotobua, Wednesday. The proceedings at the native meeting were chiefly the presentation of mats to Mr Mackay and other Europeans. The speeches were generally in favour of leasing lands and a separate government for the Maoris.—A European, whilst cooking some food, fell into the boiling waters and was badly scalded. (FROM OUB OWN CO3BESPONDENT.) Cobomandel, Wednesday. The City of Auckland got 251bs of specimens last night, and another haul is expected. There is gold in the face of the stopes.—The Margarefcta have finished crushing 5 tons at Bennett's battery, for rather a poor yield.-Bennett's battery started on Peep o'Day stuff, with 5 head of stampers, and the Bismarck, with 5 head,.start to-day. The rain last night gave a good supply of water.—The Harbour Yiew are sending 70 tons to the Nil Desperandum battery to-day, and a fair yield is expected.—The Neptune are. crushing 10 tons at the Nil Desperandum battery, but there is a poor show on the plates.—Quintan's claim are crushing 5 tons at the Nil Desperandum battery, and there is a splendid show on the plates. It is likely to go 15ozs per ton.—Several claims have been pegged off near the Plutus battery site. The prospectors have a leader one foot wide, snowing loose gold.—The monthly return of gold is:—National Bank, 1750z5; Bank; of New Zealand, 403ozs.—The weather is very boisterous, with heavy rains.