NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 70, 23 March 1889, Page 6

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

—(:•:)— SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS. '

AUCKLAND. N.Z.. March 23rd, 1839.

The month has been comparatively mi* evanttul, the "principal occurrence beintr the departure of His Exceliency Sir William Jervois for Ausfcialia^ en route, for England. In so far aa politics me concerned, matters are quiescent. The Native Minister and Minister of Education are at preB&ntin Auckland—the former for the purpose of attendingaii impOrtantmeeting of Maoris at the Oial-.i settlement, within a few miles of this city. Several political rumour, hdve been in circul&tiohj and among other, is a S-aiement that Parliament will not be convened before the month of June. Prior to leaving tho colony His Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of the .proposed J übiioe Exhibition building at Danedin. The ceremony was performed en the _Cch hist., and His Excellency is now cv route for Adelaide, where ho expects to meet and confer with his successor in office, Lord Onslow. Meanwhile the colony is without a 4i visible link " connecting it with the United Kingdom: but Sir James Prondergasb has been sworn in as Acting-Governor, and matter, are going on just as well as though wo had a real Governor. A luncheon to His Excellency the Govbr»nor, at Wellington, on March -16, was attended by some 300 peop,e, many of whom were ladies. The Mayor presided, . having Sir William and Lady Jervois on ' either hand. Miss Jervois was also present, as wore also the Premier, Messrs Fergus and Hislop, Sir W. Fit.herbort, and several other members of Parliament, Captain Hand, ofli.M.s.Royalist,the Chief..Unities and pretty well all theprincipalciti.ens. _!)ic Mayor (Mr J. Duthie), after proposing the Royal toasts, called on the Town Clerk to read iin address from the Mayor and Councillors of the city; expressing regret at His Excellency's departure, and Wishing him long life to enjoy the leisure which lie had earned inUerMajc-sty .service. His Worship said ho believed the address represented the feelings of the citizens of New Zealand from one end to the other. He made special reference to the ...-sistarieo derived from the presence of the Governor in matters of colonial defence, and to. the interest taken by Sir William and his family ih social matters. He was sure the colony would always look back to the six year-s of his* term of office with feelings of kindly remembrance. The health of the Governor .was chunk with right good will. His Excellency, who was received with loud and prolonged applause, returncdheartfelt thanks for the kind references to himself and family. They were all sorry to leave New Zealand, and especially sorry to leave Wellington. (Applause.)" They would carry with them to England many pleasant memories of the colony and of Wellington, and in bidding both farewell they wished" them a long period .of liappi_e_s and prosperity. (Applause.) It was generally considered to bo the privilege of a Governor before he left the colony, which he had governed for a certain number of years to say all the disagreeable things that had been pent up in his bosom during his term, to abuse all the things he could, and generally _ deliever himself of opinion, on thoae things with which he had to do. He did not intend to avail himself of that privilege. In concluding, Sir William Jervois proposed the health of the Mayor of Wellington.

Lady Jervois and daughter embarked on the Tongarii-o for England on March 21. That. vessel also takes 70 oiheei. and men of __.__._. Hart.

Tho "scare " over the movements of the pardoned rebel Te Kooti, which was ab its height when last mail left, has ended in a complete fidxeo. As our readers are aware, To Kooti was quietly made prisoner by Inspector Goochdl and a force of policemen supported by volunteers under Major Porter. Prisoner was taken before Mr Bush R.M. at Opotiki, charged with conduct calculated to cause a breach of the peace, and being found guilty was ordered to find securities to keep the peace for six

months. No sureties being forthcoming he was sent to Mount Eden Gaol. Auckland. On arriving hero, Mr W. J. Napier, solicitor, attempted to sco To Kooti to get instructions as to appealing against the sentence a»; illegal, bVb before he could do so the requisite bail was found, the prisoner was released and left at once for his home in the Waikato. Te Kooti is thoroughly cowed, and is said to have prophesied that his own death will take place in dune next.

The .most recent political rumour in Wellington is that the Government intend to make six new appointments to tho Legislative Council, and that one of these will be Mr James Fulton, the member for Taieri. lb is also thought that Mr J. C. Brown will retire from the Tuapeka seat, and that Sir Robert Stout will contest it, with a view to a coalition with Sir Harry Atkinson,' and the foundation of a StoutAtkinson coalition Cabinet. These rumours " lack confirmation."

TheCustbme revenue collected throughout the colony last month amounts to £127,212. Towards'thi. sum Auckland contributed £33,609 ; Wellington, £.2,013 ; Lyttelton and Christchurch, £27,6.6 ; and Dunedin, £26,743. The total for the eleven months ' of tho financial year now completed is £1,334,929, as against an estimate of £1,382,500, the deficiency being £47,571. The beer duty for the month is £4,480, the proportions received from chief centres being : Auckland, £908 ; Wellington, £503; Chrisfcchurch, £SlO ; and Dunedin, £1,082. The total for the eleven months is £46,171. being a deficiency of £578 upon the estimate.

The total births in the various boroughs of the colony List month amounted to 4FB, against 419 in December, an increase ot 39. The deaths in January were 150, a decrease of son the number in December. Of. the total deaths, males contributed 84 and females.s6; 49 of the deaths were of children under live years of age, being -35-00 per cent, of the whole number; 37 of these were under one year of age.

A telegram from Wellington states that, in connection with the Dunedin Exhibition, the Government have undertaken to give the guarantors a subsidy of £10,000.. in lieu of erecting the buildings and making tho collections promised under their former agreement. They consider, however, that the cost of obtaining the.British loan collection of pictures (estimated at from £2,000 to £2",500) is excessive, although the Dunedin guarantors havo offered to erect a fireproof brick building of a value estimated by the Public Works Department at £3,500 to contain the collection. The guarantors are under agreement to increase their capital from £10,000 to £15,000.

At tho annual meeting of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce, Mr J. H. Cock delivered an able address. Referring to the" improved prospects of the colony and the district, he considered the new tarriff had had the unexpected advantage of leading to increased thrift, and that theoconomies now being practised in public and private, combined with the increased production of the colony, must soon restore its credit fully. Ho viewed with great satisfacton the largely increased exports of the colony, now two millions in excess of imports, and (rave a number of interesting statistics. Mr Sclanders and others spoke of tho bad odour in which the colony stands at Home in consequence of its indebtedness, and a resolution as follows Svas carrie dunanimonaly :—"Thatit be an instruction to the committee to use its best

influence during the coming year to pievent an increase of the public debt of New Zealand." ' . '

The New Zealand Medical Cougress, at Christchur'.b, on March 13, has decided that" hospital charges for advice and medicine aro demoralising to the profession, and should not be allowed to remain in force. It was decided that representation ehould be made to local authorities in each centra as <to the necessity for tho profession being represented on the respective hospital staffs, cither in the person of tho Chairman of medical stall or aome representative thereof, Tho Cougresfs unanimously decided that hi the interest of the community at hu-ge if, was .necessary that the Contagious Disease Act should be brought into force without delay. On the question of vaccination it was suggested that moie than one calf lymph station should be established in the colony* but by the majority -it was thought that one central station was sufficient at present. The meeting of the Congregational Union of New Zealand was commenced tin March 26, in the Beresford-stroet Church. The variousdistriclswere repi.tentedss follows: —Great King-street (Dunodin) : Mr A. H. Wallace. Port Chalmers : Rev. W. M. Grant. Oamaru : Rev. F. Seth-Smith. Timaru : Rev. E. Austin. Linwood : lidv. C. IT. Bradbury. Nelson : Rev. R. J. Wiilliams. Wellington — Terrace : Rev. W. H. West, LL.D., Mr J. E. Baker, Rev. W. J. Habeas, 8.A., Mr Lmdsay. Courtenay Place: Rev. W. Powell, Mr Broadbent. Thames: Rev. E. HampdeaCook, B.A. Onehunga: Rev. H. W. J. Miller, Mr T. Ball, Mr J. Rout. Auck-land—Beresford-sfreet: Rev. J. Chew, Captain W. 0. Daldy, Mr J. El kin. Newton : Rev. H.J. Lewis, Mr W. Sen ice. Mount Eden: Rev. B. L. Thomas, Mr Joseph Potter; Devo»port: Rev. 11. Lui._loy, Mr If. J. Leßailly: Parnell: Rev. If. M. Livens. Maunyaburoio-. Mr C. E. Davidson, Mr Cullen. Rev. E. Walker, 3_. Young, Whirinaki; H. Cook, Thame» ; Austin, Timaru; and Evans, Dunedin. Tho various reports showed Congregationalism to be in a vigorous and flourishing condition, and a large amount of business Mas transacted.

- At a meeting of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 7, Mr R. J. Greightoil, of San Francisco, explained Ids scheme for a fortnightly 'Frisco service. He contended that live first-class steamers could land mails in tho colonies in the same time a3 those of the Orient and Peninsular. The cost of the service would be £80,000 per annum, of which he anticipated the American Government would contribute £40,000, leaving the colonies to pay the balance. Tho Chamber, after listening to MrCroighton, approved of his scheme, without favouring any one company. Efforts are being made to secure simultaneous action of the various Chambers interested in recommending the scheme to the different colonial Governments.

The demand for agricultural land still continues, especially in Auckland and Wellington districts, so that it has bsen found necessary to appoint additional surveyors in order to have hind laid off tor selection in sufficient quantities.' At Wellington, there was a great rush for the Government sections thrown open this week. In all about 25,000 acres were offered in various parts of the province, of which some 13,000 were taken up. The pick of tho land was tho Korowher.ua Block, of 370 acres, on the Manawatu line, tho only land which the Government had left between Wellington and the Msinawatu River. The soil is good, and position advantageous, and consequently there was enormous competition. Of 6o suctions all but, fifteen were immediately applied for. These will go in a day or two. For the 48 sections there were no less- than 470 applications. The other blocks were offered principally to ease the rush on the Horowhenua selections, and it was not expected they would be all taken up. The eagerness, of settlers to secure small holdings is a very healthy sign. Tho proceeds of the sale in Wellington on Tuesday last amounted to £13,000.

There were eight hundred natives assembled at the great native meeting commenced at Waitangi on March. 13. Sir Frederick Whitaker was present by invitation, and represented the Government', and there were also present Mr R. Hobbs (member v_or the district), Mr^Sydney Taiwhanga (member for tho Maori Northern Division), the Hon. H. Williams, ALL.C., Archdeacon Clark, Rev. Mr Burrows, A!r James Cieu'-ou', R.M., and a number of settlers from all parts, including ladies, who had seats of honour reserved for them. Mr Green way acted as interpreter. Proceeding, commenced with prayer, offered by Archdeacon Clark, and then sorno discussion took place re (1) the Whangarei or Poroti land dispute, und (2) dog. tax, both of which were referred to'the Orakei meeting ; (3j tho right of natives to deal with their own lands. Tn reference to this last subject, Sir Frederick Whitaker said that tho Bill passed last session enabled the natives to deal with their own lauds, and asked Mr Taiwhanga to interpret into Maori., for the benefit of all present, ono clause of the Bill which vested in tho natives tho full right to deal with their own lauds. Ho said that the Bill had-been framed on lines requested by the natives throughout New Zealand, and it was the desire°of the Government to forward the wishes of the natives in this direction. This brought the day's proceedings to a close, and little business of any importance remained to be discussed, everything of any moment being left over for discussion ab Orakei where a largo meeting opens on March 25.

A telegram from Waitara states that Hone We'tero te Rerenga, the well-known head chief of the Mokau native district, died on March 9 from congestion of the liver, at the age of about fifty years. He was a raiit/atird of the JSTgatimaniapoto tribe, allied by marriage with the Taranakis, and was well known throughout the North Island, especially in Auckland. He had a rather eventful career, having taken part in. tho Waikato war against the British, and also _aye assistance to the Taranaki natives in their fighting against the pakehas. For many years after the war had closed Wetcre lay under a ban and dare not venture into European settlements, the reason being his alleged complicity in the Whito Cliffs massacre of 1869, when a number of Taranaki and Ngatimaniapoto surprised the constabulary pest at the Cliffs and killed Lieutenant Gascoigne, Mrs Gascoigne, their three children, and two othor Europeans, and also the Rev. Mr Whiteley, a missionary. Wetere was stated to have led the war - party at the massacre, but he always denied most strenuously that he had anything to do with such an act of treachery, Tho following list of gentlemen in Auckland district, whose names have been added to tho Commission of the Peace, appears in the "Government Gazebbe," R. M. Cameron, Helensville; George Adams Clark, Hokianga;. H. J. A. Coubts, Aratapn ; John W. Ellis, Oborohanga; John George Elmsley, Kihikihi; Ernest Ford, Bussed; Robert Hall, One Tree Hill; William Lodder, Auckland; John McGechio, Papatoetoo ; Kenneth McGregor, Whangarei Heads ; Robert Page, Wafmamaku, Hokianga; David Robertson, Auckland ; Henry Medl.nd Shepherd, Mount Eden; Finlayson Smith, Whareo.ra, Whangarei; Alfred Sproule, Taupo; Frederick Street, Ruatangata, Whangarei; John Udy. Pakuranga: R. Udy, Mount Eden ; W. C. Walker, Ellerslio. lb is said that tho railway receipts for tho year will exceed the neb estimate, a circumstance which has not taken place for many years. Formerly, when there was a much smaller mileage of railway to manage, the working expenses were considerably over £700,000; whereas now, with a much larger

mileage, the working expenses, are under £650,000. The annual meeting of the Auckland Scripture Gift As ocuvtion was held on the 6th inst. The twelfth annual statement contained the following particulars : —Through the cheerful aid tendered by 172 city subscribers, and theactive voluntary efforts of 66 country agent?, your Committee areglad to record that this Association has steadily maintained its work through another year™ tho twelfth ; and which period^ it must be observed, has been one of weli-nigh unprecedented commercial depression, Ten day schools for young children are now in fairly-working order, and with a total attendance of 330 scholars. In these schools a daily Scripture reading and lesson is given. As early as the Association's funds will permit, your Committee determine on establishing additional schools ol this class wherever practicable, for it is realised that the need of such effort

is overwhelmingly urgent. At a meeting of subscribers heid at the depOt, High-street, yesterday afternoon, the following were elected as the Committee for the ensuing year:—-Messrs John Dougla*, A. Thome, A. C. Caughey, S. Rout, J. Wiseman, J. Longmoro, T. A. Shackelford ; Secretary. A. Thome ; Treasurer, S. Rout. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Messrs C. A. Jonas and S. G. Rountree for auditiua' khe annual accounts.

The annual meeting of, the .shareholders in tho Civil Service Supply Association was held on February 28ch in the large room of the New Zealand Insurance Company's Budding, when Captain W. C. Daldy presided. The first annual report .of the directors was read as follows:— Your directors have much pleasure in presenting the shareholders with this report, fceliny that it will conclusively prove to them dint their venture was a wise one and that with careful guidance and energetic management it will yet become one of the most leading concerns it; the city. By an analysis of the iigtires it will be found that the first three 'mouths ot the Company's trading resulted in a loss of £186 18s sd; by the end of the lirsfc half year the leakage had been largely stopped, bub still the deficit lias been increased by another £62 7s od, which, although an improvement, was of course not satisfactory. Your directors then became convinced that to be successful they must increase tho volume of trade, and accomplished that desired end by amalgamating fir.-:t with Messrs Eario and Montgomery, and later with .Mr Gavin Wallace. Tne result has fully justified their expectations, for whereas the turnover was £110 per week before the amalgamation, the first week's returns after the complete fusion showed £1,192; that this was done at a profit is evidenced by the fact that in very little more than two months wc have made enough by bona jide trading to wipe oil' the former losses (£249 5s lOd) and carry forward a small balance to profit ami loss new account.

The third annual meeting of the New Zealand Alliance for tho Suppression of the Liquor Traffic was commenced at the V.M.C.A. Rooms on March 12, when a meeting of tho Council was held, Sir William Fox (President) in the chair. There were also pre.-ent: Tho Rev. J. Chew, Rev. E. Best, Messrs Monk, M.H.R., T. W. Glover, .). Waymouth, J. Newman, W. Speight, Cox, C. G. Hill, Probert, J. W. Carr, J. Lamb, Cuughev, E. H. Taylor, E. .Bell, J. Carr, Thos. Ball, J. Graham, H. Hirst, Mos.s and others. Many apologies for non-attendance were read. The annual report was read by Mr Glover, It showed that the Alliance closed tho year with a credit bidnuce of £14 ]:6s 2d-, the year's receipts being £717 Is Bd, and the expenditure i-7C_ 5s 6d. The report went on to state.: — The dec!on3.ion in. tho consumption of intoxicating drink, ' the public ' records, i t is pleasing to note, show is still going on. ■■ On tho basis of the retail prices set forth on''th_"tablo"_Uudcd to, the drink bill for 1887 was ..2,093,430 as against £2,154,855101- 1886. a decrease of £61A20. The co.:-t per head of population is, therefore, upoi« this basis of retail cost, about £3 9s sd, a reduction of about 2s 4d per head as against last year. These calculations are made excluiire of the Maori population. The tea and sugar imported dining 1387 exceeded in value that of lt;86 by £118,612, or a sum double that saved in the drink bill of the year. The fact appears to be that strong drink is gradually being discarded as a beverage by the young people growing up in tho colony. In 188 l" tho consumption per hc-.-.i was :Of spirit., l-l-flgai-ous; ofbeor, K)_i. gallons. This gru'Ju.Hy ivdui.-d, until at .hw cud of 1207 it stead: .Spirit-; per head 0*770 .al-onri: beer, 7-651 gallon;'. The

wine consumption h:m i-l'^-o decreased by about 43 per eon t, per bead. Tho Registrar gives 23 deaths, 14 males and 9 females, as caused by " alcoholism" directly. Of the 1,088 persons charged with drunkenness during the year, but 51 were New Zealand born of European parentage. Young New Zealand, therefore, furnished bub 4"68 per cent, of those charged with drunkenness ; while the percentage they bear to the whole population is 51 "_9. It may be added as an interesting fact that during the year the New Zealand born population of European parents furnished bub 11- 44 per cent. of the whole crime. On the motion of Mr Caughey, seconded by Mr Brown, the following officers were elected for tho ensuing year, and the thanks of the Council tendered to tho gentlemen who had worked so assiduously in the past: President, Hon. Sir William Fox, M.A., K.C.M.G. ; Vice-Presidents, Hon. Sir Harry Atkinson, K.C.M.G. (Premier), Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, F. 11. Eraser, J.P., D. Goidie, M.H.R.. J. Harding, Hoii Ropiha, R. C. Hughes,'Rev. F. W. Isitt, J. W. Jago, J. Lenhie, J. Newman, J.P., Rev. W. G. Olliver, Rev, A. Reid, J. A. D. Adams.Hon. Thos. Dick, Thos. Field, J. Fulton,M.H.R., R.Hobbs, M.H.R., Rcv.L.M.lsitb, W.Korr, Dr. Knight, J. Lamb,E. O'Key, A. Rennie, J.P., lCNeal, R. Monk, M.H.R., T. M. Lane, J.P., W. Both Smith, Rev. R. Waddel, ALA., E. Withy, M.H.R., J. Joyce, M.H.R., Rev. E. Best. Executive Committee : S. J. Arnbury, J. W. Carr, A. Cox, C. C. Fleming, Geo. Gregory, W. P. Hunter, W. C. McDowell, B.A. ; Gouncillors, W. H. Smith, W. J. Speight, J. Waymouth ; Chairman of Executive, Sir William Fox; Treasurer, Mr J. Eikin; Hon. Secretary, Air J. Newman. -

The annual meeting of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society was field ab the Museum on Alarch 13-' There was a small attendance. -Mr Burt occupied the chair. The' total revenue during the year, -excluding bank balance in hand at the commencement of the year, has been £295 3s 4d, as against £250 Is for the year ; game licenses yielded £269, against £214f0r1587 ; expenditure amounted to £232 17s, leaving £129 5s 7d to the credit of the society. Tho following were elected officers for the ensuing year :— President: Air R. C. Barstow, J.P. ; vice president, Air E. Harrow. Council : J. Burt, A. Bull, J. A. Connell, T. B. Hill, W. Earle, C. S-. George, W. Thorne, T. Alorrin. J. AI. Clark, J. A. Pond, A. W. Ohatfield, W. H. Shakespear, Dr. Lewis, Aiajor Jackson, Capb. Whitney. Air W. J. Napier, solicitor, intends proceeding to Samoa on Aioriday' next, to appear in a case which on the 22nd April next comes on for trial in Her Britannic Majesty's High Commissioner's Courb for the Western Pacific, ab Apia. In this case A'lanaema, a Samoan chieftainness, and MiFrank Cornwall seek bo recover from Alessrs William McAithnr and Co., merchants of this city, a sum of £60,000 damages for the produce of certain plantations in Samoa known as Fasitootai, Falcula, Mngia, and Lata, which are alleged to havo been wrongfully seized and occupied by the defendants.

The annual meetingof shareholders of the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway Company wa3 held at the Company's Office, Shortland-street, on February 28. There were present: Dr. Campbell (ohairman), Messrs Rich, Wren, Reeve, Hunter and Wilson. The directors' report for tho year ending December 31st, 1888, was'read by the Secretary and adopted as'tollows :-— Great difficulty and delay has been experienced incompleting the land titles, consequently a final .ettlement of accounts with the Government could not be effected, bub the directors, are now pleased to bo able to report that both these matters hare been arranged, and they are only waiting the payment of the money, when a further and final return of capital will be at once made to shareholders, and the Company wound up. The accounts, which were duly audited, were adopted. It was resolved that the retiring uireefcora be re-elected, and Mr J. Waymouth was re-elected auditor. Rev. Geo. Samuel, a Baptist minister from Birmingham at present touring- the colony, conducted the service at the Tabernacle on March 7. In his opening remarks Mr Samuel referred in affectionate terms to the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, at whose college lie was educated and who had influenced him, and to the tffeasuro he felt in meeting Ids son, the Rev. Thos. Spurgeon, in this city. Mr Samuel then deli veredasbirriugandremarkableaddreesfrom E.ekiel, i, 10—" As for the likeness of their faces they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side, and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had tho face of mi eagle." Mentioning tiie fact that the face is almost invariably an index to the character, the speaker enlarged upon the attributes of the various beings represented in his text, the parallels hi their characters and in the life of a true follower of Christ. The address lasted some 50 minutes, and was listened to with rapt attention by the large congregation, and concluded with an earnest appeal to the unconverted.

The now. Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption, at Oiiehunga, was consecrated by Hi* Lordship Bishop Luck, on March, 7 the servico commencing at 11 o'clock. The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father Altjliohsus O'Neill, Superior in Sydney" of the Passionist Order, and "Mczarb's "Twelfth Mass" was sung by the choir. The now church is a handsome brick building situated opposite the old church. lb is built in Gothic style, and contains a nave, transepts, chancel, oratory, sacristy, towor and porches. The total length of the building is 96 feet ; width of nave and transept?. 30 feet ; height of walls, 20 feet; height to apex of roof, 46 feet. The tloor is of concrete, finished with Portland cement, the aisles being laid with tilos, and tho roof is an opeu-timb.red one covered with galvanised iron. There is a three-light traceried and six laricel windows, and a live - light window, also traceried, in ouch of the transepts. In the chancel, above the altar, is a three-light traceried window, tilled with stained glass, with a representation of the Assumption of fcho Blessed Virgin. There is a choir gallery at the southern end of the church, ' and the sacristy _is immediately at tho rear ot the building. The tower when completed will boJll7ft highland the outor walls will be finished with Portland cement. The church will be lighted with gas there being four sunlights and a number of brackets, everything being executed in neat design. The architects were Messrs E. MahoneyandSons, Mr Kemp was the contractor, Mr J. Henderson did the glazier work, and Mr Rcndall the gasfittings. The many friends and acquaintances will learn with deep feelings of regret of the sudden death of Mr John Billington, grocer, of Frceinan'sJSay. The deceased was well known as one of the most enthusiastic bowlers in Auckland, boing a first-class payer, while he was also on the Committee of the Auckland Bowling Club. On February, 20 he had arranged with Mr M. McDermotb to meet him in one of tho trophy matches, but (shortly after he arrived on the green, about two o'clock, they wore compelled to take shelter in the pavillion owing to the rain, and as the .round was too wet they left at 2.45, Mr Billington being then apparently in his usual state of health, and on his way to \i-ib some, friends in Grafton Load. On reaching fchia place he was taken suddenly ill, and expired before medical aid arrived, Mr Bjllington leaves a wife and a grown-up family to mourn his death. He had for t__ l-'St t'.-.-cnty years carried on a successful gi-ocsry busin.r. in Freeman's Day. .lirst ou the old main thoroughfare, and ai'toi'Ward-, on the lorniai ion of Put..-

.-.-.n-s'ti.t'o, in a block cf buildings he had erected there. Latterly, however, he had pretty well withdrawn from business, which was carried on by his son. Ho took considerable interest in the local affairs of the district, and was for some time a member of the Newton Borough Council.

Another well-known resident, and also an old identity, has just passed over to the great majority, in the person of Dr. Wm. Stockwell, who died at his residence, Symonds - street, on March 4. Dr. Slock well had been ailing for some considerable time previously, and throe or lour months prior to death he gave up his public practice, which was an extensive one. 'His'complaint was heart disease, and he was attended by Drs. Mackellaf, Fhilson, and Roberton, while other members of the medical profession paid the invalid every attention. The doctor was afiiicted with heart disease, and it proved incurable. A change for the worse took place in his condition on Saturday morning last, and from that time till the end he sank gradually, retaining his consciousness till the last.. Dr. Stockwell came to Auckland over twenty years ago, and soon established a good medical practice. Prior to arrival hero he had been an army surgeon and served in the Crimea. In Auckland he was for some time a member of the honorary medical staff of the Auckland Hospital, and he also acted as - honorary surgeon to several benevolent institutions. The doctor also took an interest in farming, and he had one of the best-situated farms in the Waitakerei district. He passed away at the early age of 57 years. Dr. Stockwell was highly popular and respected by all who knew him, and his death will be generally regretted. It is with sincere regret that we record the death of Mr Andrew Stewart (of tho firm of Stewart and Garlick), which occurred ab his residence, Argyle-streeb, at five o'clock on March 18. Air Stewart had been in ill health for a very long time, and the fatal termination of his illness was not unexpected, although death came somewhat suddenly at the last, Air Stewart having been down ab his office as recently as Friday last. For a period of about thirty years, Mr Stewart was engaged in business in Auckland in various branches of trade, and no man in the city possessed a higher reputation for sterling integrity. He was a man of genial disposition esteemed by all who were intimated with him. The breakdown in his constitution which first manifested itself two or three years ago, was due to a complication of disorders, the heart, bowever, being the organ chiefly affected. Last year Mr Stewart paid a visit bo Great Britain for change and medical advice, but the journey did not produce any permanent benefit, and it became apparent that the disease was making steady inroads upon the vital organs. Deep sympathy will be felt for Airs Stewart and family. The eldest son is Mr John Stewart, barrister and solicitor of Wyncl-ham-sbreet.

A shipment of salmon ova by the Arawa has been unpacked at Invercargill and turned out in splendid condition, yielding 23,443 sound eggs,

The annual meeting of the General Synod of the Anglican Church in New Zealand was this year held at Dunedin. The election of Primate took place on the 27th ult., and a good deal of interest centered in the proceedings. The result of a third ballot was : Wellington : Bishops, 4; Clergy 13; Laity, 14. Auckland : Bishops, 1; Clergy, 0 ; Laity, 0. There being a clear majority of the three orders in favour of the Bishop of Wellington, he was then declared to be duly elected Primate. An interesting discussion took place on the subject of religious instruction in public schools. Ultimately the' following resolution was adopted:—•" This Synod is of opinion that the Education Act should be so amended as to permit of religious instruction being given within school hours in the Government schools, and further that petitions should be sent to the two Houses of the Legislature praying for such an amendment of the Act."

At Christcliurch recently a large meeting to express sympathy with Mr Parnell was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. The Hon. W. Reeves;, who was to have presided, wrote that unforeseen circumstances prevented him. Father Gumming presided. On the motion of Mr Nolan, seconded by Canon Loughnan, the following resolution was passed :—" That this meeting desires to express its sympathy with Charles Stuart Parnell and his colleagues in the unmerited persecution they are undergoing in defending _ themselves against the calumnies of the-' Times ' newspaper." On the motion of Mr W. P. Beeves, M.H.R., seconded by Mr Daniel Reese, it was resolved, "That this meeting tenders its heartfelt thanks to the Hon. W. E. Gladstone and the Liberal party in the House of Commons, for their noble and consistent support of the Irish cause." Mr R. Lonargan moved, "That in order to show our practical sympathy a subscription list bo now opened in aid of the ParnelfDefeuce Fund." Carried. Letters of sympathy were received from Mr John Holmes and the Rev. E. E. Chambers (Episcopalian). An elderly resident of Parnell, named John William Nichol, about 65 years of age, was found dead in bed at an early hour on March 12 under singular.circumstances. He lived in a cottage in Russell Lane by himself, his wife being housekeeper at tho Star Hotel, Albert-street. About--6 o'clock yesterday evening Mrs McCormick, a married, daughter of the deceased, called at the cotbago. When 3ho entered his room be was lying on a sofa, apparently asleep. His spectacles wore on his nose, and an open book, which ho had evidently been reading, lay by his side. Mr.ii McCormick failed to arouse her father, and close examination of deceased showed that he was dead. Aesistunce was at once summoned, and the terrible news confirmed. It seemed that the deceased had died during his sloop, and that his end had been a peaceful one. Mr Nichol was well known in Auckland, having been some little time a<<-o local manager for tho Singer Sewing Machine Company.

Another old identity has passed away, Mr Christopher' Greenway, who had the reputation of being tho wealthiest man in Auckland, expired at his residence, Hobson street, on March 20. For the past fortnight ho had been very ill; a bad attack of diarrhoea, followed by severo cold, prostrated him, and he had to take to his bed. During his illness, he was attended by Dr. Dawson. Mr Greenway's ago is uncertain, bub ho had passed the span allotted to man by the Psahnist, and was supposed to be between 12 and 78 years old. For many years in his early days he was resident in Victoria, and was a purchaser at the first Crown Lands sale held in Melbourne in 1837, when he purchased a block of land immediately opposite where the Post Office in tho Victorian capital now is. From Victoria he went to England, bub in 1856 came out to New Zealand in the ship Merchantmen, ab the same. time, .as Governor Gore Browne, and settled in Auckland. Hero ho has remained ever since, and here ho has accumulated very considerable property.

Another old identify passed away from our midst on March 8, in the person of Mr William Eustace Martin, whose face and fcrm have long been familiar to the inhabitants of' Auckland. The deceased gentleman was a son of the Rev. Dr. Martin, Dean's vicar of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He afterwards became a barrister and solicitor of the Four Courts of Dublin. In 1062, he emigrated with his family to Auckland, but did nob practise ids profession here. Ho was very widely known and held in high esteem by his numerous friends. The deceased, who wa* f'Q yoavs of age at the time of death, leaves two forts and three daughters, besides numerous grand-children.

Miss Hamilton, who died at the residence of Airs Robertson in Hobson-street, on March 3, was an old resident of Aucklrnd, having lived in this city for something like a quarter of a century. Sho^ was very well connected, and was, we bfdieve, the only surviving sister of the late Sir William Rowan Hamilton, Astronomer Royal and Royal Astronomer, Ireland. Alias Hamilton was held in highest esteem by her friends, and was a lady of excellent qualities and exemplary Christian character. She was visited frequently in her last illness by Sir George Grey and Airs Seymour George, and at the funeral, which took place next day, Sir George was the chief mourner.

A large gathering of all the Tuwhareboa tribes is taking place at the old meeting ground, Ohaki, about thirty miles from Tapuacharuru, on the old Galatea Beach, the object of the gathering being to elecb Tarebe Te Heuheu head chief of all the tribes, as successor to his father, their late chief, To Heuheu Tnkino. King Tawhiao, with 150 followers, is attending the meeting. Amongst other things to be discussed by the Tuwhai-etoas is the extinction of Hauhauisrii and with one chief to have one religion. A great number of the natives in the district are followers of Te Kooti, and the royal natives consider that now is a favour.I'ble opportunity to destroy for ever the influence of Te Kooti and his religion. The produce trade between this colony and New South Wales having developed largely of late, the Union Company have found it necessary to secure more wharfage accommodation at Sydney. The Company has obtained a lease of a fine property fronting Druitb, jusb above Pyrmout Bridge, and are aboub to erect extensive wharfage accommodation, which is expected to be available this grain season. The site is in the immediate neighbourhood of all the produce places of business. The present wharf and premises will also be maintained.

A statement of receipts and expenditure of the Auckland Domain Board for the twelve months ended 31st December, 1888, shows that the total receipts were £799 9s Bd, made up as follows : —Balarce brought forward from 31st December, 1888, £399 13s 2d ; permits, £36 7s 6d ; rents of reserves or pastures, £137 ; rents of gardens, £82 19s ; Cricket Ground fees, £20 ; ground rents, £108 ; advertising contributions, £5 4s; bank interest, £10 6s. The total expenditure was £925 6s 3d, leaving a debt balance of £125 16s 7d. The assets are estimated ab £77 2s and liabilities £12 16s 7d.

\Ve have authority for saying that the Onehuoga Woollen Mills have been purchased by Messrs Jagger and Parker, of Auckland, for themselves and others. The price is between £9,000 and £10,000, but this does not include the stock which is to be, taken at a valuation. It would thus appear that the endeavour of the Onehune". people to purchase the concern has failed. The intentions of the buyers have not yet transpired. About 20 acres of tobacco have been grown this season on the farm of Mr G. R. Macrae, Mangere.

The Auckland Ministers' Association met at tho Tabernacle on March, 5 when the following office-bearers-were elected for the ensuing six months. The Rev. J. S. Hill was unanimously elected president; Rev. G. B. Monro, Vice-President; Rev. J. A. Taylor, Hon. Treasurer; and Rev. B. L. Thomas, Hon. Secretary. The stained glass window erected in St. George's Church, Thames, in memory of the late Captain Wildman, was unveiled recently by Dr. M. H. Payne. There was a large congregation, and the Naval Artillery Band played two musical selections during the service, " The Final Halt " and "Vital Spark." Hugh Heber Cholmondely, of Piako, Auckland, has deposited specification of an invention for a champion iron wire strainer ; David McLean Wallace and George William Graves, Waiorongomai, for an improved Al wire fastener for fasteuing barbed or plain fencing wire ; John Howell, Waiorongomai, for a revolving cyclinder or roaster; A. J. Davidson and R. C. Crispin, for a compressed iron sand process. A large assembly welcomed Archbishop Redwood, who returned by the To Kapo from Sydney. Addresses wore presented by the congregation, who have decided to present the Archbishop with a suitable gift. They were in negotiation for the Governor's carriage, but were disappointed at the last monjent. Another eld identity has passed away. In our obituary column will be found the announcement of the death of Mr David Evitt, gunsmith, aged 55. Mr Evitt came to Auckland with the 58th Regiment, and carried on business as a gunsmith for many years. Ho was much respected. The Wellington Preserving and Refrigerating Company have agreed to write off one-third of their capital to meet the losses that have occurred since the formation of the Company. It is understood that the annual meeting of the Congregational Union shall be held next year (1890) at Dunodin ; at Nelson in 1891, and at Wellington in 1892, the Jubilee Year of Congregationalism in the colony. Mr Thos. Hindle, an old Port Albert settler, has died from a third attack of paralysis. Te Whiti is fast losing influence with his people ou account of his prophecies about the land not coming true. He is looked upon now as a humbug, and the March meeting at Parihaka is expected to be a failure.

Dr. King, ofSeacliff Asylum,Dunedin, has bee/i appointed Medical Superintendent of Auckland Asylum, at a salary of £600 per annum,

Bishop Selwyn, at the {[request of the Bench of Bishops, has decided to take a trip to England, for tho benefit of his health, at an early opportunity.

It is proposed to start a hour mill at Whakatane, and to have a plant for making starch from potatoes and maize, connected with this mill,

Five thousand pounds which have unexpectedly come into tho hands of the Meluuesian Mission are to be devoted to tho purchase of a new mission steamer.

The capitalised value of property within the city boundaries is estimated at £6,600,000.

New Zealand Drug Company has a balance of £15,458 for the year, out of which it pays 7 per cent.

}.L de Lostalo'j Bachonc, the new Acting Vice-Consul for France, hau arrived at Wellington.

The New Zealand Drug Company has declared a dividend of 7 percent., and will carry forward a, balance of £10,498.

Alexander Chapman, a resident of Rawene, Hokianga, for sixty years, has died at the ago of 88.

It is expected that the City Council will oppose the opening of a cemetery at Cox's Creek.

Hon. Mr Foriescuo, His Excellency's secretary, remains-in New Zealand as a settler.

Sydney Taiwhanga intends to make a claim for compensation for the illegal arrest of Te Kooti.

English salmon has been acclimatised in the head waters of the Aparima, near Invcj.ca.gill.

It is proposed to sell the Tikitere geysers and adjacent wonders to a Sydney syndicate.

The Maoris at Parihaka are doing well in cutting flax, somo of them earning from £3 to £4 per week.

The appointment of Arthur Masey as Belgian Consul ab Auckland is ga_atted.

Sunday Island, KermadecGroup, has been set apart for leasing for small runs.