NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 285, 30 November 1889, Page 6

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND. N.Z.. November 30, 1839.

The event of the month has been the opening of the New Zealand Exhibition, which took placo at Dunedin on tho 26th instant under the most auspicious circumstances, particulars of which are related in another column. Tho Exhibition was in a forward state, and proved a centre of attraction not only to the people of this colony, bufc fco the people of the sister colonies/ and even further afield, both colonial and foreign industries being well represented.

Greafc preparations are now being made for the celebration of the Jubilee of thia colony, at Auckland, which will take the form of a four days' festival, including a regatta and variety of sports, with a horticultural show, Maori war dance, canoe races, etc., on January 29th and following days. His Excellency fche Governor will be present, as will also several of Her Majesty's ships on fche Australian station, including probably H.M.s. Orlando, in command of Rear-Admiral Scott.

We regrefc fco state that the Premier Sir Harry Atkinson, is in a very bad state, of health, and has been ordered by his medical advisers to leave the colony for an over-sea trip. He goes to Tasmania, and maybe away from New Zealand for about three months, ancl tho Hon. Mr Mitchelson ia to be the .-icting Premier during Sir Harry's absence, he being the senior Minister of the Cabinet, except Sir Frederick Whitaker, whose health is also too frail ab present to permit of his undertaking the Premier's duties.

The indications of more prosperous times aro confirmed on evory hand, and fresh evidences are afforded day by day of a revival of trade and the growth of a more confident, feeling amongst settlers. Further proof that the tide has really burned is now afforded by our population returns, which show that ac lasb theexqdusci popu lation which we have been compelled to record from time, to time during the last eighteen months has ceased. During October 1,336 people arrived in the colony, while 1,231 took their departure. The arrivals were 569 from New South Wale 3, 342 from fche United Kingdom, and 279 from Victoria. Of those leaving tho colony, 759 booked for New South Wales, 231 for Victoria, and 136 for the United Kingdom. Two Chinamen arrived and 12 left. The increase of population during the last month is certainly not great, but it is a sure indication that the crisis is passed. We accepfc it a3 a brighb augury for the future.

The nomination for the Waipa electorate took place on Nov. 21. Mr John Bryce was returned unopposed. He was proposed by Mr Edward Lake, Ohaupo, ex M.H.R., and seconded by Mr J. VV. Ellis, Kihikihi. There were nob many present, and the proceedings were quiet. Mr .Lake referred in feeling terms to the late Major Jackson.

Up to the present the Governmenfchavere" ceived no reply from the New South Wales Government to the communication addressed to them on fche subject of the duplication of the cable between this colony and New South Wales, bufc are daily expecting an an-wer. The New Zealand Government ■will take no steps in regard to bhe Easbern Extension Telegraph Company's offer to lay a second cable until fchey are in receipt of a reply from New' South Wales. Ib has transpired, however, that the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company insist upon a virbual guarantee of a monopoly, bub neither of the Governments is likely fco agree to this In the face of the Company's demand, ifc is nbfc considered probable fchat an agreement will be come fco between it and the Government. A proposal has been made to the New South Wales Government by the New Zealand Government, that the two colonies should combine to lay a new cable on their own account, and Dr. Lemon has suggested thab bhe line be from Ahipara Bay, fifty miles soubh of Cape Maria Van Dieman, to Brisbane. The co9b of this route, which will be fully 300 miles shorter than the other way, is esbimabed ab £200,000. It offers special facilities for laying tbe cable, as the bottom is good and there is very little liability to obstruction.

At the last quarterly meeting of the. Chrisfcchurch Chamber of Commerce the. Commibtee reported on the proposed Dunedin Conference, and suggested the election of four representatives, viz., Messrs G. F.Martin, G. G. Stead, G. Humphreys, W. D. Meares; also, thab they had been in communication with the Government re the appointment of Official Assignee, contending thab the appointment was of siich. a nature as to warrant its being exempt from the provisions of the Civil {Service Reform Ace. They had aleo'urged upon the Government to give all possible assistance in cases of nominated immigrants, in view of bhe scarcity ot labour in several parts of bhe colony. The Commibbee's reporb was adopbed, bhe President Btabing that fchey had received no official intimation of the appointment of the Assignee, though the Government had expressed themselves anxious to receive suggestions.

Mr W. L. Rees is announced as a candidate in opposition to Mr A. C. Arthur for the Easb Coasb scab.

The vital statistics for the month of October-are published, and ibis gratifying to find/ fchab Auckland again sfcands lowest of fche four principal cities so far as fche rate of mortality is concerned. The proportion of deaths tier 1,000 of population was 075 in Auckland, 0-85 in Dunedin, I*o7 in Wellington, and I*o9 in Christchurch. This is further proof of the salubrity of our climate, if such proof were needed. There were 91 births in Auckland during the month, 80 in Wellington, 39 in Christchurch, and 54 in Dunedin. In Auokland, on the other hand, 'twere were enly 27 deaths, while Wellington wifch half fche population had 31, Dunedin 20, and Christchurch 18.

The deputation of Freemasons was received by the Governor, ab Chrisbcburch, on November 6th. Mr Bishop, Chairman of the Canterbury Branch of the Masonic 'Union, addressed bis Excellency, urging thafc his influence mighb be given to the furtherance of tha Grand Ledge movement, and advancing various reasons why^ the consummation was much to be desired. Brothers Mitchell and Kaye also briefly addressed His Excellency on other points. Lord Onslow in his reply expressed a strong hope that wifch further efiort practical unanimity would be secured, and dwelt forcibly on the desirability thafc economic management in the future should enable the craft to bring into existence those philanthrophic institutions which were an essenbial part of bhe insbibution. The reply was regarded as highly favourable.

The directors of fche Colonial Insurance Company have issued a private circular fco the shareholders stating thab the property of the Company, as indicated in lasb year's balance-sheet, has been borne out, and should the presenb satisfactory position of the Company .continue they will be in a position fco recommend the payment of a dividend ab the annual meeting in May nexb. Wifch the view of meeting the increased output of frozen mutton from Southland this year, the Frozen Meab Company. have added another refrigerator to fcheir plant at the BiuiF.

Drs. Bcnvers, Marsfceller, and Funk, reporting to the three Consuls at Saipoa on the recenb outbreak of fever, say thab the disease is not typhus fever as has been reported, nor was ib brought by tho warship Sophie from Zanzibar. The first caso appeared on shore in Mataiele, a whifce man, and another among fche natives at Malua. The same sickness is well known by fcho natives under the name of ««tofca vela," and appears every year in a more or less degree. In fche year 1885 ib waa epidemical, also among fche white population, to several of whom ib proved fatal. In 1887 the British Consul Symonds succumbed to fche same disease.

Ifc is always pleasing to hear of fche success of an Auckland industry beyond our immediate neighbourhood, and ifc is very gratifying to learn fchab Wilson and Sons' hydraulic lime has been tested and approved on trial for use in a large Government con-, tract in New South Wales. Wilson and Sons have contracted fco supply ■4,000 tODS of hydraulic lima for use in the construction of a large reservoir at Potts' Hill, near Sydney. This work is undor contract from the New Soufch Wales Government, and fche order received by Messrs Wilson and Sons is proof that certain preliminary tests of their hydraulic lime musb have been accepted, as satisfactory for this important work. The order will be filled as speedily as possible. This latest testimonial to the value of an important local industry should prove a valuable recommendation fco Wilson and Sons' hydraulic lime both here and elsewhere. An important meeting of the members of fche Auckland Amateur Opera Club was held on the evening of November 20th. when Mr F. D. Fenton presided. Between 50 and 60 ladies and gentlemen were in attendance. When tho ordinary business had been transacted, fche Chairman introduced the special business. He stated that the Club had now £500 in hand. As from £250 to £300 would carry on the operations of fche Club, the remainder mighb be looked upon as surplus. The Committeo recommended .hat fche sum of 200 guineas should be devoted to the establishment of music scholarships in connection with the Auckland University College. Tbe_ Chairman quoted the rules to show that the members had the power to do this, and he moved, " That the sum of 200 guineas oub of bhe Club funds be devoted to the estab lishmenb of music scholarships."

Four hundred employees of the Kaiapei Clothing Factory wenb, oub on strike early this month, in consequence of a dispute in reference bo the "log '. under which they had been compelled to work. The strike extended over several weeks, and eventually matters in dispute were settled early last week by the directors making the concessions demanded, and taking into their employment again the whole of the hands who had been out on strike.

By the San Francisco mail steamer leaving Auckland on November 4th, thero departed an adventurer named Arthur Clampetfc, who had a somewhat interesting career in New Zealand. He is a nativo of Waterford, Ireland, and came out to Australia with Whistler, the wrestler. After getting *\on his uppers," through drink, in Australia and on the Thames, New Zealand, he started in Auckland as an evangelist, being taken in hand by the Primitive Methodist body. In Chrisfcchurch he did remarkably well, but gob drunk there one evening and had to leave the place. He returned to Auckland and made a full confession to two Star reporters, boasting of how he had swindled the religious public, and of his gains, amounting to over £.1,000. He stated that he was going to America to train as a singer.

The Auckland Wesleyan District annual sessions commenced in the Pitt street Wesleyan schoolroom on Friday, November 15th, under the. presidency ot the Rev. Jas. A. Taylor. : The Chairman in hi& opening address referred to the loss sustained by the removal of the Rev. Mr Bavin, to the sister colony, and welcomed Brother, Simmonds, who had previously been labouring in other districts. The resignation of Rev. J. S. Hudson was received and accepted, he having embraced fche doctrine of conditional immortality. Ou tke following Saturday Mr J. Elliott, a candidate for the ministry, was exmined and accepted. On > November 20bh some discussion took place on ministers' minimum stipends, and ib was resolved " That bhe principle of uniform sbipends be affirmed.' The Rev. J. S. Rishwortb moved and Mr Prime seconded, "That in the opinion of this meeting bhe time has not yeb arrived when ib is advisable thab a separate and independent Conference should be granted to New Zealand." The voting was as follows -.—Againsb separation. 36; for, .6.; neutral, 2. On the 23rd the Foreign Mission report was presented and adopted, showing total receipts for the past year to be £15-* 17s sd, an advance of £5 upon the previous year's record. The statistical reburns presented showed an increase of membership of 113 during the year. Tho Sunday, school returns showed: 70 schools, 5,048 scholars and 550 teachers. On tho motion of Mr J. Edson, seconded by the Rev. E. Best), it was resolved : "Thafc ifc be a recommendation to Conference thafc a I commibtee be appointed to make inquiries with a view to the. borrowing of money in England at 4 per cent., on debentures or otherwiso, for the purpose of paying off the debt upon bhe various church properties in New Zealand, with such powers as the Conference may be pleased to granb to such committee." Mr Edson also proposed, " Thafc fche Conference be recommended to modify the rules of tbe Loan Fund, so thab the terms of repayment; may be extended and burdened trusts re•lieved." Seconded by the Rev. E. Best, and carried. , On Tuesday morning, October 15th, a boat arrived in Apia harbour, bringing information of the complete wreck of the English barque Flying Venus, of Liverpool. This vessel, which was aboufc 37 years old, will be well remembered by fchose of our readers who recollect the old Calcutta and colonial trade afc fche time when tlie Great Britain was the favourite vessel of the day. From the particulars to hand, it seems thab fche Flying Venus leffc Port) Ludlow, Puget Sound, on July 18th last, with a cargo of lumber, and cleared Port Townsend a few days later. The cargo of lumber on board ' was the duplicate of one which was lose during last year somewhere aboufc the same locality in the new ship Derby Park. The Flying Venus, albbough old, was a strong and well-found barque of 1,660 tons register, and was owned and commanded by Mr John Kerr, who is also wellknown in colonial shipping circles as fche at" one time captain of the old White Star. Besides fche captain, there were on board E. Urell, first mate, F. N&ilson, second mate, a crew of eighteen and four passengers (Mr Bairnsfather, a Scottish vocalist, with his wife, son, and daughter), there being on board 25 souls. The passengeie and crew were subsequently- broughb to Auckland by the steamer Richmond* The Selection Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association held a meeting on Nov. 22 afc which ifc was decided to request the following players to go into practice with a view to selecting the team for the Southern trip from their number, viz. :— J. Arneil, W. E. Barton, A. M. Beale, J. Fowke, W. Gardiner, W Harvie, W. Hawkins, R. Holle H. P..Kiss ling, H. Lawson, H. B. JLusk, D. I^ch, A. McDonald, R. McPherson, A; L. Meldrum, I. Mills, T. A. Moresby, A OBrien, A- Rees, C,..J_ Reid.Rev. I. Richards, A. Rowe, R, Sm bh, W Sbemson, R- J. Yates. The list will be added to if the Seleotion Committee see cause.

On November 27 fche first wool sales of the I season for the Auckland district were held ■■ by three local auctioneering firms : Messrs A. Buckland and Sons, Hunter and Nolan, , and G. W. Binney and Sons. The two latter firms were holding their sale as we wenb to press, bub bhe sales throughout were successful and the prices realised very satisfactory, indicating all through a general rise of about a penny per lb in wool. The local selling firms had arranged to hold their sales all on tha same day, mainly for bhe convenience of purchasers from a distance. Messrs A. Buckland and Sons held their sale at 10 o'clock a.m., Mr A. Buckland, senior, wielding the hammer. There was a very large and representative attendance of buyers, and competition was very keen. "More buyers were ab the sale," said the auctioneering firm, " than we have had for ten years past." Several additional outside buyers were present. Over six hundred bales of wool were offered and all were sold. The prices obtained Were very good, and showed a general advance of id per. lb on last season's sales. Longwools ranged in the prices obtained from 7d to 7gd per lb ; halfbredf. from fid to Bgd per lb ; and merinos from 9d to 9|d. The wool was generally in much better condition than lasb season's lots, and consequently buyers evidenced more confidence in bidding. Messrs. G. W. Binney and Sons', Forb-streefc, was also characterised by keen competition and good prices. Mr C. B. Kingswell auctioned the wool, of which 500 bales were catalogued. All were cleared, bidding being brisk throughout. There was a full attendance of buyers, both local and Southern, The ruling prices obtained were : Longwc'ol, 7£d to 7._ d ; crossbred,' 7_jd to 9id; hair-bred, 8d to 9.J=d ; morino, 9d to o _\d.' The largest clip offered was grown by Captain Kennedy, of Waiheke (50 bales), sold crossbred ab 9Jd and pieces ab 6£d. The principal brands disposed of were JBK (Captain Kennedy) S V in circle, 17 bales, 9|d, merino; P_TD, 14 bales, Bifd, crossbred ; KM, 10. bales, 7gd, crossbred ; Bushy Park, merino 9d, crossbred Bjd, half-b'-ed 9d ; Ruabuna, B£d crossbred. The sale held by Messrs Hunter and Nolan, auctioneers, was very successful, some 450 bales of wool being oOered and sold. The ruling prices obbained wero similar to those given above in Messrs Binney and Sons' report. The sale was very well abbended, and amongsb bhe buyers were several Southern representatives. The prices obtained showed an advance of fully one penny per lb on last season's values.

The recently-discovered silver find at Puhipuhi, near Whangarei, promises to become an exceedingly rich mine, if bhe trial crushing of the Cr3b parcel of quartz at Waiorongomai is any criterion of the remainder of the stuff obtainable. News has reached town that the trial crushing ab Waiorongamai, of bhe firsb parcel, about a ton of argentiferous ore, has yielded 1740z5. of silver and 15dwts. of gold. The reports of the crushing aro causing great excibemenfc in Whangaroi, and they say thab "if the stone goes anybhing like thab all over then we are on the eve of a mining boom." The teefs in bhe Puhipuhi counbry are very large and of a peculiar formation, of an altogether different) appearance from fche quaitz met with ab Coromandel Peninsula. The gold, of which bhere is a small proportion, is said to be contained in a mineral casing outside the reefs containing the silver seams. These scams are exceedingly well developed, the broad veins of the white metal being very conspicuous even to a non-mining man. The silver is said to be worth at least 3s 6d per oz. The Puhipuhi country is very rough and rugged, and the quartz has so far to be packed down on horseback.

Large shipments of Auckland - grown apples and pears are to be made to London in the early part of nexfc year. Already space has been engaged by one of the direct steamship lines for 3,000 cases.

Ab least a dozen sailing ships will be loaded at fchis porb during bhe next few monbhs for New York and London. Some of bhe vessels will bake flax only, and others will take a mixed cargo of flax and gum. One of the shipping companies has arranged for five ships already, and the other for three, and it is estimated thab at least four others will be required bo meet the demand for freight which now exists.

In moving the adoption of tho annual report- of the Mosgiel Woollen Company, the Chairman said fche work afc the Mosgiel mill for the past year had been in every way satisfactory. The entire production of the Mo3giel mill had gone into consumption, and had not run into stock, and he hoped nexfc year bo be able to reporb similar good forbune wifch respect, to the Ashburton production. It was decided to increase the capital by issuing 900 shares ab £5 each, of which 520 are in the moantime to be issued to the present shareholders at a premium of 78 6d each. This step was taken on account of the purchase of the Ashburton Woollen Mill. The Hon. M. Holmes and Dr. Hislop were re elected directors.

A resident of Foxton gives tho subjoined returns of 1,483 sheep sent home by him recently per s.s. Aorangi. They afford convincing proof in favour of meet freezing : 495 carcases of mutton, weighing 32,7631b, realised £693 14s ; 988 carcases of mutton, weighing 62,6851b, £1,465; fat sold in the colony, £72 15s 6cl; Bkins, £185 3s 4d : total, £2,416 13s Bd. Charges: Consolidated rate covering all expenses in London, £179 6s : freight and primage, £639 7s 6d ; marine insurance, £61 7a 9d ; freezing and bags, £176 18s lld ; railage and driving, £78 3s : total, £1,144 3s 2d. Net return, £1,273 10s 6d, or at the rate of 17s 2d a head on the station.

At the annual meeting of the National Insurance Company the report recommending a dividend of 10 per cent, was adopted after some discussion. The Chairman said the losses during the year had increased £14,000 —fire aboufc £2,000, and marine £11,000. The Company was now only operating in the British dominions, France, and Russia. Iv the latter place fchey had a large amount to their credit, and if ifc was found there, was reason to fear loss prompt steps would be taken to withdraw.

Captain A. Farquhar, of the coastal steamer Clansman, brought to town ou Nov. 22nd a portion of the wreckage recently found on the Northern coast and appeared to be from the ill-fated ship County of Carnarvon, which is thought to have foundered with all hands close to the New Zealand coast, while bound from Newcastle to Valparaiso. The relic of the sea brought by Captain Farquhar was the name-board inscribed " County of Carnarvon," from, the lifeboat which came ashore afc Taku Bay, near, the; Cavalles Islands, off the northeast Coast. He obtained it from Constable O'Reilly, of Whangaroa, who found the boat at the Maori settlement; afc fche west end of Taku Bay. The board has been handed over to fche Collector of Customs, and ifc may be seen at fche Custom-house by any persons interested: There was a large, black Newfoundland dog washed _ ashore at the same place, bub Captain Farquhar made several inquiries of the policeman, and he states that he has come to the. conclusion that the boat was. in the water for sometime bofore being driven ashore, ap the constable, on. being asked by Captain Farquhar if there was any appearance, of crass or barnacles on the boat, said there were barnacles on the bottom, arid to a farther inquiry if the paint was rubbed off the gunwale of fche boat; as if anyone had been pulling, he said fche painfc seemed whole, and nob.chafed. The boab is 24 feeb long, and appears to have been the gig, by the description given. There was a hole in the, after grating for stepping the flag pole. The Government steamer Hinemoa was despatched to the. Three Kings, to make a thorough search for further wreckage, but nobhipg add Jf«o»al was discovered.

On November 12 Messrs B. Tonks and Co. put up for sale by auction, by order of the liquidators, the valuable properties and buildings of the New Zealand Frozen Meab and Storage Company, on the Reclamation and elsewhere. There was a fair attendance of bidders. The properties were pufc up in lots, seven in all. The principal lob, comprising the chief assets of the Company, was knocked down for £25,000. Mr Lawry was the purchaser, on behalf of the mortgagees. The other hits were also bought m by the mortgagees ab the following figures : Lot 2, £800; Lob 3, £1,400; Lob 4, £100; Lob 5, £8,000 ; Lots 6 and 7, £250.

The meeting held on November 6 in the City Hall, Auckland, to hear ' the Irish Delegates, Messrs John Dillon, John Deasy, and Sir Thomas Esmonde, Barb., plead the causo of Home Rule for that country was a conspicuous success. A special feature was that the members of the committee wore on their breasts roseates of green and orange entwined. The three delegates delivered admirable addresses, and these having concluded, it was moved by Mr G. L. Peacocke, seconded by Mr W. Duncan, J.P., and supported by Sir George Grey, K.C.B , "That while tendering Mr Dillon, Sir Thomas Esmonde and Mr Deasy, hearby thanks for thoir able addresses, this meeting desires to express its warm sympathy with the efforts of Mr Gladstone, Mr Parnell, and other members of _ that party in bhe British Parliamenb which is earnestly striving to secure by constitutional meansbhe blessingsof self-governmenb for Ireland." The motion was carried with great enthusiasm. The chairman announced that the collection taken up in the hall just before was found to amounb to£62 7s 3d. Together with the outside subscriptions and the money taken by tho 3ale of tickets and ab fche door that evening fche whole sum raised in Auckland so far reaches the very respectable total of £600. The statement was received with loud cheers. The amount, including the returns from the Auckland country districts, has since increased to about £800. At a meeting of the Irish Delegates' Reception Committee on Nov. 27 it was decided to send by bhe outgoing mail £600, as a first instalment from Auckland towards the Evicted Irish Tenants' Fund.

After the Auckland meeting the Irish delegates took different routes, Mr Dillon speaking ab Gisborne and Napier, going b'nence to Wanganui, whero he was meb by Sir Thomas Esmonde and Mr Deasy, who had addressed meetings ab tbe Thames, Hamilton, Te Aroha, New Plymouth, and Masterfcon. After fcho Wanganui meet ing the delegates proceeded bo Wellington. The Wellington meeting concluded the North Island tour, and ifc may be fairly stated bhabbhe whole proceedings were satis factory in every way. The total amounb of money received in the North Island will exceed £2,000. Mr John Deasy, after the Wellington meeting, proceeded to Auckland c« route for Sydney on November 26bh, Mr Dillon and Sir Thomas Esmonde leaving for the West Coast, where meetings have been held at Westport, Kumara, Greymouth, Hokitika, Reefton, Ahaura and Ross. The West Coast tour has beon a remarkable success, and the resulb of bhe trip will resulb in about £1,500 beinjj aided to the North Island amounb. Mr Dillon and Sir Thomas Esmonde proceed bo bhe Soubh Island afber the West Coast tour is finished; and great preparations are being made in Canterbury and Ofcago for the reception of those gentlemen. It is expected thab fully £5,000 will be realised in New Zealand towards the Evicted Irish Tenants' Fund, as the result of the mission of the delegates to New Zealand.

Tho meeting held on November Bth in bhe City Hall bo lay before the public the views on Home Rule held by the Unionist party was a large one. Mr R. C. Barstow presided. Tho following resolutions wore adopted :—Moved by Sir Wm. Fox, " That fchis meeting deprecates and denounces all projects for fche establishment in Ireland of a separate Parliamenb and Governmenb as detrimental to the interests of thafc country, and tending fco -the disintegration of the British Empire." Moved by Dr. Wallis, "Thafc Ireland has never hitherto been a united and self-governing nation, and in view of present expressions and actions, cannofc bo considered fco be now capable of internal union and salutary self-rule." Moved by Mr Frank Hull, "Thafc the loyalist minority in Ireland, constituting more than the third of the whole population, and comprising the greater parfc of fche commercial and industrial enterprise and resources of the country, cannob, wibhoub cruel injustice, bo subjected to the dominant ascendancy of the party opposed to them." Moved by the Rev. Mr-Bates, " That fche Imperial Parliament, in which the people of Ireland are fully represented, has exhibited the power and fche will fco remove fche disabilities, and to remedy the grievances of which the majority of the Irish people formerly complained, and is prepared to effect all thafc legislative action can effect for the amelioration of the condition of fchat country." Ifc was also agreed : "That copies of these resolutions be transmitted fco the Prime Minister of the Imperial Government, the Marquis of Salisbury ; fco fche Right Honourable A. J. Balfour ; to tho Marquis of Hartington; and to the Righb Honourable Joseph Chamberlain.

The first vessel with a full load of New Zealand flax direct to America has jusb lefb, bho barquo Rebecca Crowell having sailed from Wellington on October 26fch, bound for Boston, with 1,863 bales of dressed flax. She will be succeeded by the barque Clan McLeod to,load a full cargo of flax in Wellington for New York.

The annual meeting in connection with Che Home Mission was held on November 18th in the Pitt-sfcreefc Wesleyan Church. The Rev. Mr Gifcfcos, . superintendents of the Maori mission, made a few remarks. He considered the mission in New Zealand had been a success. On the West Coasb Te Whitism was gradually fading away, and thanks to fche excellent work done by Bro. Hammond, Christianity would shortly be a power ab Parihaka. Iv Waikato a similar process was going, on. Tawhiao's power was lessening, and Hauhauism was splitting up into five or six sections —a sure sign of weakness. Ngatimaniapoto had broken away under Wahanui, an "old boy "of the "Three Kings institution. In Hokianga Bro. T. A. Joughin was doing a good work, learning the Maori language, and having a promising future before him. In Kaipara the work was successful, and Hauraki Paul, who had been appointed there, was highly respected by the natives for his work's sake. Every Sunday there were thirty agents in Waikato and Kaipara conducting Sunday services, and in every settlement morning and evening prayers were conducted. Rev. C. H. Garland pointed out that three European and six native ministers were sustained by the fund. Ten home missionaries in the settlers' mission had £245 divided amongst them. Some £500 was given in grants to aboufc twenty weak circuits. Then there was the Training College afc Three Kings. Oufc of seventyfive ministers in their Conference, twentyseven had been trained in that College.

The Courtof Inquiry into the accident to the barque Otago ab, Christchurch gave judgment to the. effect that the damage was caused by stres&pf weather, and nob to any acfc of* commission or omission by the captain ; that if the captain had taken liquor after the accident, he had nob enough _to incapacitate him ; bhab everything that could be done was done ; that the chief mate did nofc supporb the captain as he should ; thab the ship is ill found and should not have been passed as fib to go fco sea in the state she left Sydney. No order was made aa to the certificates, of the officers or costs.

Mr Ernosb L. Widdop, chief clerk in the employ of Buckley, Stafford, and Treadwell, Wellington, went oub on a recent Saturday for a sail in an open centre-board whaleboat wifch Mr W. P. James, clerk of tho R. M. Courb, and a son of the latter'a, a mere lad. When in Evans' Bay, the boab jibed, and the boom sbriking Mr Widdop, knocked him overboard. Mr James took prompt measures to secure deceased, and although he was alive when he gob him back in fche boab, he expired before the shore was reached. Deceased was aboub 23 years of age, and was a promising young man, and one of Wellington's best amateur singers.

. A valedictory soiree and public meeting was held on Nov. 4th in the Baptist Tabernacle, when a large congregation assembled to bid farewell to Pastor Thomas Spurgeon. All the floor of the building was occupied. Mr F. Battley who presided, mentioned nab during the eight years that Mr Spurgeon had been amongst them bhe Tabernacle had been erecbed, and bheir pastor had by hisown personal efforts raised no less than £2,600. That was not, however, fche greatest work he had achieved, for during fche 8 years 547 persons had been received into membership, Pastor Spurgeon had baptised 330 himself. Mr Matthews, on behalf of the Church presenbed Pasbor Spurgeon wibh a handsomely framed and tastefully illuminated address, which read as follows: — "The Tabernacle, Auckland, New Zealand, November 4th, 1889. To Pastor Thomas Spurgeon. Dear Sir and Brother, —On your retiring from the pastorate of the Auckland Tabernacle Church on account of ill-health and physical weakness, the members tender you their grateful thanks for your faithful preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, your loving ministry among them, the zeal and earnest efforts in the interests of the church during the eight years of your pastorate, and for your labours and interest in the various Christian and benevolent insbibubions of our city. The Tabernacle in which the church has for nearly rive years been worshipping and labouring for Christ (opened free from debt and thronged from Sabbath to Sabbath with eager listeners) stands as a monument to your personal influence and testimony to your untiring devotion to the cause of God. Your friends at the Tabernacle most earnestly pray that the Lord will give you health, increasing strength, divine wisdom, and richly own and bless you in your future labours in the winning of souls for His kingdom. The Rev. Thomas and Mrs Spurgeon left for Lyttelton on tho 14bh November by fche Te Anau, fco join fche homeward bound direct) mail steamer afc Lyttelton.

Tho parishioners of the Epiphany Church assembled on November 12fch in St. George's Hall, Greafc North Road, to bid farewell to the Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, who has accepted a call to the Anglican Church ab bhe Thames. The chairman, on behalf of bhe vestry and parishioners, presented Dr. O'Callaghan with a purse of sovereigns, and in doing so testified to the clergyman's pasb services, and wished him God speed in bhe fubure. Dr. O'Callaghan, in reburning bhanks, said he received the present in the spirit) in which ifc was given. It was now four years and nine months since he had taken charge of the Epiphany parish. The church was then very small, and he was thankful that ifc had grown since. He considered ifc was promotion this call to the Thames. The church was an importanb one,* and the people, warm - hearted. In concluding, Dr. o*Callaghan spoke of the Rev. J. K. Davis as an earnest and devout man, and urged upon those presenb to loyally support his successor.

On the evening of November 20th an ordination service, according to tho rites of the Wesleyan Church, was held in the Pitt-streeb Chapel, when the Rev. Hauraki Paul, a native studenb of some years standing, was admitted to the ministry. .__ " ~7 '

Mr R. J. O'Sullivan, formerly Inspector of Schools, died> on November sfch at his residence, Three Kings,-uear Onehunga, afc the age of 61 years. The deceased gentleman had been in precarious health for some time, and a few days previous to his death he suffered a paralytic stroke, from the effects of which he died. Mr O'Sullivan came to this colony about the year 1861, from Ireland. He was a University man, and his educational attainments led him to engage in the profession of teaching in Auckland. He established St. Patrick's College in Hobson-street, and , for several years carried on thab establishment, having among his pupils many of those known now as leading citizens. In 1869 Mr O'Sullivan became Secretary to the Central Board of Education, and in 1872 he gave up the position of Secretary to the Board and became Inspector of Schools. When, after the abolition of provinces in 1876, the Education Acfc of 1877Mvas passed by the General Government, and a central department was established at Wellington, Mr O'Sullivan was offered the appointment of Inspector-General of Schools for fchecolony; bub he was so devoted to his duties here that he refused the offer of promotion and continned to fulfil fche duties of Inspector of this district till July, 1888, when he retired. One of the best works done for education by deceased was fche compilation of a little manual for teachers entitled "Instrucfcians for fche Guidance of Teachers." He leaves, besides his wife, three grown-up sons and daughters to mourn their loss.

Another of those old colonists who form a connecting link between the early his-, tory of New Zealand and the present days passed away afc Remuera on November 9th in the person of Mr Alexander Dingwall, well-known fco most old identities as one of the "three Sandies." Mr Dingwall was eighty-four years of age ab the time of his death. He had only been ailing seriously a short time before his death, and took to his bed four days ago. The deceased gentleman had been a resident of Auckland ever since its foundation nearly fifty years ago, and had, like the infant colony, passed through many vicissitudes, He was a native of the town of Dingwall, Rosshire, Scobland,' where he was born in 1805.

A telegraphic message was received in Auckland on November 6 by the relatives of Mr Alexander Webster informing them of the death of fchab gentleman on the way from Long Island to Porb Chalmers. The telegram came from Port Chalmers, where the Auckland brigantine Oamaru, Captain Richards, arrived on November 3 after a long voyage of 33 days. From the telegram ifc appears fchafc Mr Webster, who was manager for the Guano Company at Long Island, had his foot crushed in some manner by a trolly in tho work on the island. As there was no assistance to be obtained on the island to perform the requisite surgical operation, Mr Webster was being taken by the Oamaru to Dunedin when lockjaw supervened and on October sfch he succumbed. Mr A. Webster was well - known in athletic and other circles. He was a prominent foobballer, being a member of bhe North Shore Football Team, and one of bhe famous Native Team which distinguished itself so much in England. His place was forward, and he played a sterling game in fchafc position. He left the team on its departure from England, preferring to come straight home, rather than through Australia. After arriving in Auckland, he went to Hokianga,, where his parents live, to see them after his trip. After staying there some time he was about six months ago offered fche position of manager for the Guano Company on Long Island, and was engaged in their employ till fche time of his accident. The deceased was a young man of 23 or 24 years of age, of a genial, kindly nature, popular wifch all whose fortune ifc was fco know him. He was born at Hokianga, where hia parents reside.

The following is the complete list of members of the new Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the ensuing year :— Messrs Atkin, Lennox, Swaleß, Dignan, Mays, JCidd, Udy, Bollard, and W. F. Buckland. The new members are Messrs Kidd (who takes Mr Ambury's place) and Bollard (who takes the place of Colonel Dawson). Mr Bell's district) has been snuffed oufc, and he did nofc seek reelection.

Considerableexcitemen t prevailed afc Onehunga on Nov. 27 owing to the contest for the mayoralty between Captain Yates, the ex-Mayor, and Dr. Erson. Both parties were very energetic duringthedayandthe polling was expected to be very close. Mr P. Clark acted as returning officer ; Mr C. K. Jeffs as poll clerk ; Mr W. Roach as scrutineer for Dr. Erson, and Mr John McMahon for Captain Yates; Mr J. S. Dukes was also acting in the interest) of Captain Yates. At a quarter to seven o'clock the Returning Officer announced fche result of fche polling as follows :—Captain Yates, 170; Dr. W. R. Erson, 147. Majority for Captain Yates, 23.