NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 282, 29 November 1890, Page 6

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS,

AUCKLAND. N.Z..

November 29th. The nominations for the approaching elections have been made, and the elections take place on Friday next. Never, perhaps, in the political history of the country has so little excitement prevailed on the eve of an election, and never has the choice offered to the electors been so little representative of their wishes. The want of capable leadership and a broad distinctive platform is no doubt partly accountable tor this. The enlargement of the electorates has also tended to deter men from incurring the cost of a contest, with its attendant risks. Possibly the reduction of the honorarium has likewise not been without its influence. Unles3 a man can afford it, and is patriotic enough to sacrifice his time and means to bis country's service, or is fond of public office, or has an axe to grind, the political arena in New Zealand possesees few attractions. Residence ia Wellington for three months out of every year is a totally different thing from the assembling of Parliamentary representatives in a great capital like Sydney or Melbourne, with railway lines in every direction, by means of which a member may pay flying visits to his home and business. It involves absolute isolation, and not seldom the utter destruction of a man's business. Under these circumstances, it is scarcely remarkable that citizen after citizen should have resisted the solicitations of those who were eager to thrust political honours upon them.

The breaking-down of Sir George Grey's health in the middle of the electoral campaign has been unfortunate political event of the past fifteen years. So long as he remained in ftic House there was always a certain assurance that the broad principles of Liberalism would have a definite and fWrless exposition, His influence, even when it did not absolutely control the action of members who had been elected to support his view?, yet kept them from wandering very far from the path of duty, and his mental activity in the preparation of Bills and artful motions embodying his views, which he sprangupon the House at opportune moments, compelled members to face questions that they would gladly have ignored. His disappearance from the Parliamentary chess-board will completely alter the order of the game. It may not improbably enable those who are opposed .to the , present Ministry—who have really never possessed a loyal and reliable majority—to combine for their expulsion. The Ministry, in its present shape, may indeed be regarded as already doomed. Looking through the lists of candidates, we doubt whether there i? possible majority for them however the elections may eventuate, and even candidates who promise them a general support make it conditional upon reconstruction. It is impossible that the unconstitutional arrangement by which the head of the Cabinet is exempted from the active duties of Parliament can continue. But unless the Cabinet is succeeded by an Executive representing a progressive Liberal policy combined trith a determination to enforce a policy of rigid economy and sound finance, the change may only prove equivalent to that proverbial leap out of the fryingpan into the fire. The country is now steadily recovering its prosperity, despite Governmental ..blundering. < The accumulating hoards in the banks must find some outlet in industrial channels if interest is to be earned; Every quarterly return issued, reveals, lapidly-growing exports, the result chiefly of labour and capital applied to the land; and with anything approaching to good government the ensuing year should see the cloud of depression completely swept away, and a steady stream of population flowing back upon our shores which have been so lamentably forsaken during the last few years by the bone and sinew of the country.

He would be a very wise man, however, who if granted for the nonce omnipotent power of selection, could pick out of the long list of aspirants to office even the elements from which this good Government is to be secured. The fact which impresses one chiefly in making such an examination, is the predominance of the legal profession. Except for the contest between Mr Mills, managing director of the Union Steamship Company, and Mr Millar, Secretary of the Seamen's iJnion at Port Chalmers, and the candidature of Mr Winter at Wellington, the labour party have made no attempt to raise a direct issue on the question of "labour candidates." Iα Aucklandj inability to agree upon a man, accompanied by the refusal of the only man who appeared likely to be generally acceptable, nullified the efforts to put forward a labour representative.

Sir George Grey lias definitely determined to retire from political life. This decision has cot been arrived at without anxious thought on hie part, and it ia only the feeling that hie ill-health absolutely forbids worry that has caused him to come to such a decision. In Wellington last session the veteran statesman contracted a severe cold, which hae brought on an attack of bronchitis. It wae against the wish of his medical adviser (Dr. Haines) that Sir George gave his last public address. Since that time Ma health has been worse than before ; and during the last lew days all visitors have been forbidden his presence. He haa indeed for some days been confined to his bed; only rising for a few minutes of each day. Sir George feele himself far too unwell to think of writing any address to the people on his retirement. Hie feehnge are ac strong aa ever, but the weakness of his body is too great for any exertion. He SQMidwe that) be would be eacrificisg

bis life if he again went to Wellington. He can stand no worry, and, yielding fco tha wishes of his medical'adviser and mends, he has finally decided to avoid the chance of it.

The B on . Mr Mitchelson has received the following telegram from Mr Bush, R.M. :— •« Sidney Taiwhanga died last at Whakatane—it is stated from asthma." Taiwhanga, ex-M.H.8., was a candidate for both fche Eastern and Northern Maori electorates, and ia at present) leading by 100 votes for the latter.

Tbe departures from Now Zealand durinoOctober numbered 809. of whom 423 went to New South Wales, 233 to Victoria, and 90 to the United Kingdom. Tho arrivals were 1,085, namely, from New South Wales, 384; iroui Victoria, 233; from United Kingdom, 341. Seventeen Chinese armed and 66 went away. The total loss of population by tho oxoess of emigration over inamigration for the nine months ended 30th September was 3,552 parsons. The departures for Australia are. given subject to revision, as the Customs emigration returns do not include all passengers who go on board without booking. The.nnmboremay eventually be increased sqmewhat after the receipb of returns from the shipping companies.

Railway returns for the four weeks ended 11th November last show that the total receipts for the colony were £70,690 14s 4d; against a total expenditures of £50,874 5a 7d; the percentage being 66"17. The North Island receipts were £23,534 6s lid, and expenditure £17,063 10s 9d; percentage, 72-01. Middle Island receipts, £47,166 7s sd; expenditure, £38,810 14s 10d; percentage, 63-68. On the Kawakawa line receipts totalled £163 0a 2d, and expenditure £178 6s Id ; percentage, 54"56. Whangarei: Receipts, £217 5« 6d ; expenditure, £199 03 4d ; percentage, 83-60. Auckland : Receipts, €7,562 Jss ture, £4,869 0s 4d ; percentage, 66-07.

The Imperial Government has cabled to His Excellency the Governor, Lord Onslow, authorising him to appoint Mr F. J. Moss, of this city, British Residents of Rarotonga, this being the formal ratification of the appointment already made on the recommendation of the Government.

It is probable that before long steam communication will bo established between Auckland and New Caledonia. A local trader is completing negotiations for for the inauguration of a steam service between this potfc and Noumea, the Now Caledonian "capital," and in a> ehorb time ib ia expected thut a steamer will bo running regularly in the trade, going direct from here to the French colony, and then probably running trips up to Marc, in the Loyalty Islands, close to Now Caledonia. Arrangements are proceeding for tho charter of a steamer, bab considerable difficulty is experienced in procuring a boat auitaWo for the Island trade. Ib ia likely that the well-known Government steamer Stella, 270 tons, now lying idlein Wellington harbour may be chartered for the purpose of inaugurating; tho service. She is too email, however, and will probably bo replaced by a moro suitable boat. A Sydney stonmor is also spoken of as a likely vessel ior tho trade. At present there is regular and frequent steam communication between Sydney and Noumea, but so far New Zealand's communication with the island haa been by sailing vessols, principally trading achoonere, be»ide3 occasional timber vessels.

The warships ot European powers promise to be well represented in New Zealand porte during the next few months. A German squadron is already ab Wellington, a French warship ia there, and moro are comiug as well, and will visit Auckland, and we now hear that an Italian raan-o'-war may be looked for hero übout February or March next. She ie at present in Japanese waters, having on board tho Prince of Naples, heir to the Italian throne. Tho Prince will be ab Melbourno early in tho CpmiDg year, and during hie stay there the maa-v-w&v will come on to Now Zealand ports. The Admiral and Lady Scott, with the Aostralian Squadron, will bo in Auckland ab Christmas, and it is tho intention of the Admiral and his lady, as well as tho Governor and Lady Oaelow, to spend tho eumnier in Auckland.

Grave doubfca are entertained by Auckland shipping people as to tho safety of the locally-owned barque Notero, now overdue here from the South Son Islands. Tha Nobero is ab present nearly two months overdue ab this port from Howlarid Island, close to the Equator, gnano-ladon. She is owned by Mr J. J. Craig of this city, and was under charter to J 'J?* Arundel aqd Co. She is a Norwogian builb vessel of 430 tons register. Capb. Campbell, of Auckland, is in command. She has now been nearly five months away from Auckland. She arrived ab Howland Island on July 25th last, 19 days from Auckland, and waa to load up for Auckland at Howland, calling ab Niue on the return voyage Ib is feared that she haa meb with eexidua rdghap in the Islands.

The Chamber of Commerce, in response to representations made concerning the delay that takes place in the uehyery of Auckland consignment per direct. steamers, have received from Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., ajrents for the Snow, Savilh and Company's line, an assurance thatthe visits of the steamers to this pork will be more frequent during 1891 than in the raresenti year. The requirements of the SSSPsdf!lone will ensure this being made a port of call more replorly, while iSoklid merchant, and th.ir London colthink That there will be but few sailing; duSiß9l. The cargo steamera will retZOeAI on a basis as satisfactory as poseiole to importers. TheDunedin "Craftsman" publishes a atrS«.»Vr«V O6 .he eo S I ZStTa retS*,"of proper fiuo.l. resmcma iww j Constitutions, ISifil bffifunde'r your rule upon tins matter.'- ---■ A lar*e and destructive fire broke out * 4. Pnrne and Co.'s bonded Thn hiildine consists of two pares. SStodbt a "park from a passing engine, be coneiderabla

Ever since it waa known that there was a danger of the dispersal of the Sylvia Park Stud very general regret has been felt in Auckland. Various attempts have been made to prevent what is generally thought •would be a calamity. These attempts have proved fruitless. Carbine's great victory the other day, and the victories of Nordenfeldt'3 progeny in recent races, have made the regret keener and caused a renewal of the attempt to keap the establishment together. The sale Jβ now announced.

The Dairying Conference opened at Dunedin on the 27th of November under the presidency of Mr Brydone who urged the necessity of adopting means by which home manufactured cheese and butter should reach the London market in firmest condition. These commodities were in good sound condition when they left the colonies, but a large proportion of it was found bo be faulty when ib reached the market;-. The Minister of Agriculture, on being written to, had replied that the Government fully recognised the desirability of appointing a reliable and intelligent man to make the voyage to England with samples 'of butter and cheese prepared in tho colony, and shipped and sold in London under his immediate superintendence. Tho general consensus of opinion seemed to point out butter will stand freezing. Sawyers says : "The principal reason why Now Zoaland butter will not keep after being unpacked is that the cows have bean fed on new pasture." Tho Minister was inclined to attribute a good deal of the non-auccees of the shipments of butter to this fact. Seeing there is so xnunh difference of opinion on fche whole question tho Government 5s prepared to assist in the suggested direction, and the best course would bo for firms and individuala who may bo iutereabed in tho trade to combine tor the purpose, mentioned on the understanding that the Government contribute towards the expense. It was reported that the shipping companies had granted a reduction of an eighth of a penny per lb on tho cool chamber freight) for London besides securing tho return of half the privnnge. The Committee pointed out the need of separate chambers. The export of 500 tons had beon guaranteed for shipment. The Union Company indicated their willingness to reduce tho freight, and there wna every reason to believo the Railway Commissioners would reduce tho freights to grain rates. A resolution was carried that tho Commissioners be asked to reduce the rates to the samo as the grain rates: that insulated vnggons be provided on railways ; that tho Government; bo asked to pay tho expense of sending homo an expert in charge of a trial. shipment of butter and cheese, ho thai)shippers might keep tho hietory of tho produce from tho milking of the cows to tho delivery of the butter and cheoso in London. The shipping companion offer a free passage to an expert.

As we long ago anticipated, tho latelyformed project of (-octlemenb on the Kermadoc islauds, New Zealand's rocky " dependencies," has proved to be a laiJietifiablo failure. After a long and bitter experience of hardship and semi-star-vation, the unfortunate people who left Now Zealand a year or bo ago for Sunday Island to " carve out " homes for themselves have at last found out that it ia useless to thinkof making a living there, and have roturned here, poorer in ail but experience. The Colonial Government steamer Hinomoa, Captain Fairchild, arrived in porbthis week from her periodical trip up the Kermadec Group, lying 670 mile 3 north of Auckland, which were annexed to this colony some 3 yeare ago. On her arrival it waafouncl thato sho had on board all save one family of the original body of sottlera who loifc Auckland for Sunday Island in tho schooner DunocHn last year, all returning from tho Denhutn Buy settlement thoroughly dißßusterl with their expori enco, and impoverished into tho bargain. The party who have returned are, Mr and Mrs Howell, Mr and Mra Bacon and eon, Messra J. Carver, H.II. Lord, A.Kasmusson, and J. Avenfe. The two Misses Bell, daughters of Mr John Bell, tho wollknown Sunday leland pionoor, also came down to Auckland in the Hinotnoa. Capt. Fairchild reports leaving Wellington ten days previously for the Kermadecs on his eix-monthly trip, landing storos ab Portland laland lighthouso and arriving ab the Kermadecs on Thursday laet. He visited L'Esnerance Rock, Curtis Island and Macaulay Island and found all tho Government provision depOts in good order, and their contents intact. There was no sign of any wreckage, and ib was evidenb thab no shipwrecked mariners had been on tho islets. Tho steamer came to an anchorage off Sunday Island on Friday morning, and Captain Fairchild on going ashore found tho settlers all alive and safe, but with a dismal story to tell. They were, in brief, sick of Sunday Island, and wished to leave ab once, and gob back to New Zealand. Everything had gone against them since tluey landed at Denham Bay last year. Captain Fairehild received them on board with their belongings, all excepting Mr and Mrs Carver and their daughter and son-in-law (Mr and Mrs Robson), who eaid thab they wished to leave the place, bub were utterly without means to do so, and would therefore wait until another opportunity offered, trusting to grow enough to keep thorn in tho meantime. Mr Howell, the promoter of the Kermadec Islands Fruitgrowing Association, left by tho Hinemoa with his wife and infant child. Mrs Howell, a delicatelynurtured lady, had suffered greatly on the island since her arrival there. Soon after the departure of the Hinemoa on hsr lasb call there, six months ago, she gave birth to a child, and both have suffered through the uuexpected privations undergone.

The annual meeting of tl>e Mew Zealand Baptist Union was commenced afc the Auckland Tabernacle on November 11 with a devotional meeting conducted by theliev. T. Bray. When the Conference -> assembled, the Rev. W. R. Woolley presented the eighth annual report, from which w© make the following extracts: In the report which wae presented at the last meeting , of delegates, it wae the sorrowful duty of the Commifcteo to chronicle a decrease in the number of members associated with our church in tho colony. The decrease reported was not very considerable, but the fact that we had suffered a reverse caused some feeling of uneasinees and even anxiety. This year we are able once more to point to an increase in the membership of our churches. The gain is nob exceptionally large, yet it is substantial and encouraging. We believe tho tide has turned, and i<3 strongly setting in tho direction of prosperity and highest spiritual blessing. The work of the Union in all its branches has been prosecutod during tho year with diligence, and with a fair measure of success. The year that has closed will bo memorable in the annals of the Union for the inauguration of the " forward movement." We cannot overlook the fact that the whole of the wesb ooasb is without a Baptist church, and in a number of our rising towns the denomination is still unrepresented. By tho appointment of Mr Thomas Spurgeon as Union Missionary preacher, the attempt has been made to secure ab least soma of these desirablo results. From beginning to j end the mission has been an unqualified success. The balance-sheet for the year ended October 31et, 1890, was read by Mr S. B. Matthews and adopted. It showed :—Receipts: To balance from last year, £114 17s 4d ; church extension fund, £2; personal members' subscriptions, £53 6s 6d ; church collections and donations, £41 15a 3d; students' funds, £4 18s 3d;

evangelistic fund, £230 3s 3d ; total, £447 7d. Expenditure :By grants to churches, £75; travelling expenses, £9; legal expenses, £1 5s Id ; students' fund, £100 10a ; printing account, £0 13s sd; stamps, stationery, etc., £15 5s 4d ; evangelistic fund, £190 6d, balance in bank evangelistic fund, £39 5s 9d ; general fund, £7 3s 6d ; total, £447 7d. There has been an increaee of about 180 during the year, making a total membership in the colony of 2,805. The local preachers in the colony number 64, and preaching stations 18. In the Sunday-schools tho number ot' teachers js 478, and of scholars 4,513.

An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in tho Bay of Islands Coal Company was held on Nov. 24th in Mr H. Gilfillan's office, when Dr. J. L. Campbell presided. Tho following resolutions were confirmed :— " That the Articles or Association of the Company be altered by the insertion therein immediately after article 3 of the following article, namely : 3a The Company may from time to time, by special resolution, reduce its capital." lo was further resolved on tho motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr T. Peacock, ''That the capital of tho Company be reduced from £40,000 diviiiod into 4,000 shares of £10 each, to £4,000 divided into 4,000 shares of £1 each, and that) such reduction be eilected by cancelling capital which has been lost or is unrepresented by available assets to the extent of £9 per share upon each of the 3,000 shares which have been issued, and are now ontatandir ", and by reducing the nominal amoiuu; of all the shares in fche Company's capital from £10 to £1 per share."

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholder.* of the South British Insurance Company was hold on November 26th, when the following resolution waa proposed and carried :—" That bho capital of the Company, which now consists of £2,000,000 divided into 100,000 eharea of £20 each, bo reduced to £1,900,000 divided into 100,000 shares of £19 oach, and thab such reduction bs ejected by cancelling paid-up capital, which has been lost or is unrepresented by available assets, to the extent of £1 per share upon ouch of the 64,628 shares which have boon issued and are now outstanding, and by reducing the nominal amount of all the sharos in the Company's capital from £20 to £19 per share." There waa a fair attendance of shareholders, and Mr T. Peacock, Chairman of directors, occupied the chair. Tho chairman eaid : In moving tho adoption of tho resolution which has been road in your hearing, ibifc unnecessary forme to make many roinarks, as the shareholders at provious rneotinge havo boon fully informed of what waa proposed to bo done and the necessity for making tho reduction of capital provided in tho present resolution. I shall contonb myself by indicating the position which our finances will assume whon effect ie given to tho propoeals of the Board. In tho firat; place ib is intended to tuko from the reserve fund and investment reserve, which at presont stands at £80,488, the sum of £60,000 as a re-insurance fund fcufficient to re-insure tho wholo of the Company's business, and which from time to time will bo kept proportionate to that business. Thon of the £64,628 capital to be written off part will be applied to write off tho amount of £44,682 standing to fcho debit of profit and loss in the last balanco-sheefc, and which included tho cost of retiroinont from America. The romaindor of tho capital written off, £19,946, and tho balunco of reserve fund, £20,488, making together £40,434, is available to moot the expouso? of retiring from England and the C .ntiuont. Any balance of that Biim nob rcquirod for that purpose will form the nucleus of a reserve fund as distinct from the re-insurance fund.

Tho Industrial Exhibition in connection with fcho Sunday-school Union,and for which oxt.onsive preparations had been made by exhibitors for some months proviounly, wasoponed HbthoDrill-shQrlonTueeday.iftor-noon, Nov. 10, byMiT.Battley, President of the UuioM, <ilter which viaitoit, , fteroe üble to inspect the wonderful variety of articles displayed. Speuking generally, tho Exhibition may bo said to compaie favourably with its predecessors, and tdafc is saying a great deal, and too much praise cannob be given to the Hon. Secretaries, Messrs J. It. Hdnna, VV. 11. Lyon and T. F. Hill, for tho measure of perfection arrived at in the working up of the show. Tho Drill-shod internally presented a very bright and varied appearance. The exhibits wrere displayed on benches running the whole length of the building?, and upon framework constructed above the benches and upon tho walls, and at the further end of the building a portion was partitioned off so as to provide a temporary concerb room in which entertainmonta were given each evening.

Tho annual meeting of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory Company was held on Nov. Hub. The directors stated that the amount at the credit of tho profit and loss account, after making provision for bad debte (£447 8s 6d), depreciation of plant (£1,250), and interim dividend already paid (£,247510 d) was £2,89219s 10d. The directora recommended the appropriation of this sum a3 follows : — Payment of dividends of 8 por cent, per annum for halfyear, absorbing £2,752 Be, and carrying forward the balance (£l4O Hβ 10d) to next year's account. Mr Roberta, chair-, man, in the courae of his remarks said that although trade was considerably interfered with during the laab two months, tho Company's turnover during the 12 months exceeded thah for the previous year by £7,000, and that did not cover the increased turnover on tho Company's mills. The profit appearod to bo larger than it was last year, but the increase waa fully required to pay the dividend on the increased capital. In order to account for the eomewbftb lessened result of the Company's operations during tho paab year he might state thai; during the months of September and October—in fact, ever since tho 3rd September —the Mosgicl mill had been only worked two-thirds time, the Kaikorai one-half time, and the Ashburton mill had been closed altogether since the 14th of September owing to the want of coal. The report was adopted, and special reference was mado to the loyalty of the employees who had refused to become mixed up with the etrike.

The annual meeting pf the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand washeldatDunedinon and was somewhat lively. The following report and balance-sheet wore presented :— The Directors submit their report and balance-sheet for the seventeenth yoar of tho Company's operations;— The not premium for the year amounts to £166,554 78 Bd. After making the usual provision for unearned premiums there is a surplus of £10,740 15s, to which has to bo added balance from 1889, £4,278 8a 5d—£15,019 3s sd. Out of this the directors declared an interim dividend in March last, which absorbed £4,90117s 6d. They now recominond the payment of a further dividend ab the rate of ten per cent, per annum for the half year, £4,901 17s 6d, and to carry.forward £5,215 8s 5d—£15,019 3a sd. The fullest provision has been made lor all known and unadjusted losses in tho item of £23,336. During the year one or two of the Company's mortgagors unfortunately became unable to pay interest, and the properties mortgaged therefore fell into the Company's hands. In order to bring the amount advanced well within the realisable value, »b has been thought proper to write off £8,417 from the Reserve Fund, which keeps the Company's assets represented by loans on mortgage on a sound basis. The year has been a most disastrous one for marine underwriters everywhere, and as will be seen by the accounts, this Company has suffered in common with others. The loss is the highest experienced over tho last six years, and has arisen chiefly on high class risks to and from United Kingdom.

MASONIC GRAND LODGE. The first communication of the New Zealand Grand Lodge heldintliiscitytookplace on November 25 in the Masonic Hall, Prin-ces-streab, when close on 200 brethren oi the crnjb were in attendance. The following Lodges wore represented :—Albion, Sb. Augustine, Abereorn, Victory, United Service. Beats, Coromandol.Leinster, Waterloo, Sir Walter Scott, Manukau, Te Arolia, Wairoa, Papakura, Ofcago, Franklin, Ara, Ponsonby, and St. Andrew's. This Lodge wae well represented, tho W.M. Bro. Page and 40 brethren being present. At 7.50 o'clock Iho ordinary meeting of Lodge Ara took plaoe, Bro. S. D. Hanna presiding. The business was speodily despatched, and at 8 o'clock the Grand Master and his officers arrived as follows :—Grand Master, Brother H. Thomson; Deputy G.M., Brothor A. S. Russell; P.G.M., Brother E. T. Gillon ; Grand Superintendent, Brother M. Niccol; S. W. Brother Dr. Boor; J. W., Brother W. B. Franklin ; Chaplain, Rev. W. Mulgan; Acting Treasurer, Brother T. L. Murray; Secretary, Brother Rer. W. Ronaldaon; Acting Secretary, Brother W. H. Cooper; S.D., Brother W.'Craig; J.D., Brother W. Edgeeumbe-; D.0., Brother G. If. Powley; 5.8., Brother J. Pago ; Pursuivanb, Brother A. Kirfd'; Tyler, Brother E. Tonge; Stewards, Brothers T. H. Tewsley, J. L. Logan, S. Vospor, F. M. Heweon. The Grand Maafcor, in opening the procoaclings, expressed ploasure et seeing euch a large'abbendanco. Hβ said that since the last communication of fclie Grand Lodge throe very important facts had tuken place. The lirsb was that four lodges had given in their adhesion to the Zealand Constitution, and all of these had belonged to • tho ■■ English Constitution. Iv h«e journey tip from Wellington to Auckland he had opened two new lodges and consecrated a Masonic Hall. Another important; fact was that recognition had been received from tho Grand Lodge of Orient of Italy, and the Grand Lodges of Victoria and Tasmania. Perhaps the most important fact kad been the refusal of recognition by the Grand Lodge of England. That was 'no doubt greatly owing to the information thufi had boon before the English Grand Lodao when the dochion woa arrived at. Sir John Monokton vva'j to be thanked for tha mariner in which he had referred to them when introducing tho subject at Homo. He Hpokc temperately, and expressed sorrow that unanimity did nob prevail in Now Zealand. Tho result was tho decision " that for the present, the Grand Lodge of England ennnot grant fcho application." Tha brethren would notico that was difi'oreab to a Litre refusal. Ho regrofcted thab recognition had been refused by the Grand Lodge of fcScothmd, and ns the Grand Lodge of Ireland hud not auswered the "letter forwarded, ho took thut to raean that it was simply waiting for further information. Fratornal loiters had ako been received from various lodges in America* so that &B noon as tho respective Grand Lodges met there was little doubt that recognition would be extended. During recess a Constitution had been drafted, and was being reviged by the Board of General Purposes. No doubt, most of them had aeon a circular recently forvvardod by His Excellency tho Governor to tho various Lodges. He hoped that it would result beneficially, though he did not see thab it would afl'ect the Isow Zoaland Constitution very much, because they were already doing their best towards securing goneral unanimity. He urged upon the brethren to show every kindncßs they possibly could to tho brethren who were not at one with them. Let any argument be tomperato, and invite them to visit the Lodges. Ho felt thab he must allude to tho resolution passed by tho Prince of Wales Lodge, E.C., that they would not under any circumutancee join the New Zealand Constitution. It seemed like pledging the Lodge for ell time, but he learned that tho resolution was most likely unconstitutional, having been carried without previous notice bohig given. Hβ did nob think that tho Prince ol Walos would be very much pleased at the resolution arrived at by the Prince of Wales Lodge. (Applause.)

Board op Benevolence.—The Secretary reported that) during the past quarter no application had been received for relief.

Reports.—The report of the Board of General Purposes was read and adopted, also the reports of tho Grand Superintendent. That from Wellington district stated that owing to the courtesy shown by the D.D.G.M. of the English Constitution in not issuing edicts against tho New Zealand Conatitution there had been an absence of the ill-feeling manifested in other districts. The Grand Superintendent of Auckland district reported thab 500 brethren were now enrolled under the New Zealand Constitution in hie district.

Holt., of Lodges.—The roll of lodges connoctod wibh the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was aeked for by Bro. Niccol. The Grand Master explained that at present il was impossible to prepare an official roll, as the lodges were nob to be numbered for the first twelve months. He mentioned that 69 or 70 lodges were working under his dispensation. The brethren musb be aware that a large number of lodges passed tho resolution to join, but had not done anything further. He had issued 92 dispensations', of which number 5 had been returned and 3 re-issued. A great many lodges appeared to be simply waiting. Recognition. —Brother A. S. Russell moved a resolution bhanking the Grand Orient of Italy for recognition and appointing Brother Seigner Achilli Bullari 33rd degree as representative. This wasadopted with applauee, and similar resolutions were enrried on the motion of Brother Gillon wibli regard to tho Grand Lodges of Victoria and Tasmania. Brother Martin was appointed representative at the Victorian Grand Lodge, and Brother E. Ilobin2on for that of Tasmania. Tho following were appointed representatives at the New Zealand Grand Lodge :—Brother V. Pyke, P.T.G.M. Taemanian Grand Lodge, Brother G. Robertson, P.G.S., Grand Orient of Italy, and Brother Hammerton to the Grand Lodgft of New South Wales.

Sympathy.—Resolutions expressing sympathy with the brethren of Lodges Poneonby and Otogo in the treatment they had received were passed. Votes of thanks were accorded to the officers, after which the lodge was closed, The Banquet.—The brethren then adjourned to the lower hall.wherean excellent collation had been laid by Bro. G. Rob«on. Tho tables were rendered attractive by a number of nob plants in bloom. Aft or justice had been done to the viands the fcousb " Queen and Craft" was proposed by the G.M., the brethren einging tho National Anthem. Bro. Niccol proposed "The M.W. Granilmaater," which was drunk with enthusiasm. The Grand Master, in responding, eaid that he had accepted the position with reluctance, ns he had hoped to goo that place filled by Hia Excellency the Governor. However, LordOnelow declined to accept the post for what were no doubt good reasons from his point of view, and he was himself placed in the position. He exhorted the brethren to show the greatest tolerance, as they would not gain friends by abusing th em. He ■ hoped that) nexb year Lord Onslow would occupy the position of Grand Master, (Applause.) Bro. Gillon proposed " His Excellency tho Governor," and referred to the attempt now being made by Lord Onslow to secure unanimity. He asked the brethren to be careful not to do anything that would cuusa ill-feeling. He hoped they would all follow the example set by Bro. the Earl pi Ouslow in his attempts to secure unanimity. A most delightful finale to the proceedings was the ball given in the Choral Hall on the 26th. The gathering was a magnificent success. The interior decorations of the hall were of a moat elaborate character.

Masonic devices and emblems met the eye everywhere; the prettiest being a square and compass device which surmounted the door of the supper room, worked out in choice roses and pelargoniums. Over the platform there was also a lovely floral arch, beneath which was the motto—" Welcome Grand Lodge of New Zealand." Another interesting feature of the decorations wae the inscription in scrollwork on the walls of the names of all the lodges which have placed themselves under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Taken as a whole, the ball was a magnificent success, and will long be remembered by those who were present.

Mr Leslie Macarthur has been engaged in real earnesb assaying and testing Puhipuhi ore. In response to his advertisement, offering to test ore gratuitously, he has been surfeited with stone. Mr Macarthur'e first desire was to ascertain precisely the nature of the stone containing the ore, so as to know what would be the best flux with which to emelb it, and as showing the importance of this primary or initial stop, we may state that when Mr Macarthur made two tests with a flux that had been recommended to him, he gob very unsatisfactory, in fact, almosb negative reeults ; bub on further investigation, the results were quite different, and showed the stone submitted to be very rich in silver. No doubt, much ot the stone that has been sent away for treatment has suffered through those who tested ib having but imperfectly investigated this all-important factor, the flux. The assays, which we give below, speak for themselves, and show how rich Puhipuhi argentiferous ore really is. Tho following are the assays obtained by Mr Macarthur from stone submitted to him • —

oz. dwt gr. No. 2 Prospectors, per ton .. „ 1143 616 Tupono .. .. -.. .. ~ 163 6 16 Young Colonial 1034 7 19 Prospectors 816 15 8 Try Fluke 735 0 0 No. 3 Company, Waiariki .. .. 228 13 8 A moet imposing demonstration was made in this city on the lObh November in celebration of the eight hours movement, which had ita origin in New Zealand The demonstration took the form of a pro cession and sports, both of which passed off most successfully, attracting a great deal of public attention. At 9.30 sharp the leading band struck up it lively inarch tune, and tho word " Forward " was Riven. The whole procession was in a few moments on tho move, and tho Societies with their banners made a brave show. Behind the band was displayed the large banner of the Eight Houro' Demonstration Committee, uplifted by half-a-dozen men. The banner was a splendidly - finished one, being adorned with pictorial representations of a number of leading trades, and excited great admiration. Following immediately on this camo the Federated Seamen's Union, which made a fine display, Che Journeymen Tailors, Bootmakers, Co-operative [ion bo -pain tors, Wharf Labourers and Coastal Seamen, Mill-hands and Bushmen, Typographical Society, 'Bailway Employees and Engineers, Wharf Carters, Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners, Engineers and Ironworkers, Federated Butchers, Bakers and Pastrycooks, Gasworks' Employees, Gum Sboremen'a, Shipwrights and Sailmakers. The display ou the wholo was a splendid one including some thousands of Unionists, with banners and badges, and a number of the Unionists actively engaged at their work on the line of march. Tho Domain having been reached, tho sports were commenced, and passed off mosb satisfactorily in the presence of several thousand spectators.

The annual meeting of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in the Auckland district commenced on November 19th, and extended over that and several following days. The Rev. \V. Lee (Chairman of the district) was welcomed as the only surviving member present of the first) district meeting held in Auckland in 1845, at which sixteen efficient missionaries were present, and the Chairman having suitably replied, the following appointments were made :—Secretary, Rev. J. Dukes ; Assistant Secretary, Rev. C. H. Garland; Journal Secretary, Rev. G. T. Marshall; reporter for *' New Zealand Methodist," Rev. T. G. Carr ; reporters for daily papers, Revs. T. F. Jones and A. C. Lawry. The hours of session were then fixed at 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Major W. A. Dean-Pitt, who died afc Ellesmere House, Princes-etreot, on Saturday, November 8, at the comparatively early age of 56, arrived from Sydney about threo weeks before. He was afflicted with consumption. It was the desire of the deceased to end his days in Auckland, and he died within a very shorb distance of the spob where hie father Major-Goneral Fitb died forty years ago. Deceased was born in Ireland, and after completing his education, obtained a commission in the 60th Rifles. Hβ ultimately sold out and came to Australia in 1857, subsequently receiving an important appointment on the Victorian Volunteer staff. Hβ married Miss Gillibrand, daughter of the Hon J. T. Gillibrand, and in 1864 came to Otago. Subsequently he and Mrs Pitt travelled a good deal for the benefit of his health.

A young man named Henry George Caldicotfc, met with a terrible accident at the Chelsea Sugarvrorks on November 19th, by whick he losb his life. Walter Ripley,who at the time of the accident was employed at a sugar-drying machine, states that CaJdicott was pushing a bogie full of sugar along the rails to the machine when he was asked to move it further oat of the way and did so. Patterson, who was in charge of the machine, directed Caldicott to move the bogie back again, and he moved it to the end of the machine. Riploy saw the bogie fall off the rails into the drying machine, which was revolving at the time, and threw the bogie onto on to the floor. He did nob see Caldicott struck, either going to the machine or coming back, but soon after found him lying alongside of the machine with one hand cut and severely cut about the head and face. Dr. Koberton, who had been telephoned for, did what he could to relieve the man's agoay and had him removed to the Hospital, were he died shortly afterwards.

After a painful illness of two months' duration Mrs Mackellar, wife of Dr. E. D. Mackellar, died at her residence, Parnoll, on Nov. 17th, at the age of 42 years, it is believed from the aftereffects of peritonitis. Prior to this attack Mrs Mackellar had possessed robust health, and promised to have a long and useful career, being highly esteemed for her kindly disposition and personal virtues. During her illness the deceased had the benefit of all that medical skill could devise, Dr. Girdler, as medical attendant, having had associated with him Dr. Roberton and Dr. Lewis, bat without avail. She was the eldest daughter of Colonel Haultain, and was firsb married to Mr W. H. Kissling, solicitor, by whom she had two daughters. After the death of Mr Kissling sho devoted herself to Hospital work, and became Acting Lady Superintendent at the Auckland Hospital. Subsequently, she occupied a similar position in the Wellington Hospital, and at that city was married to Dr. Mackellar. Dr. and Mrs Mackellar then removed to Auckland, where they soon became deservedly popular amongsb a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

On November 12 an inquest waaheld at the residence of Mr James Jordan, Whangaparaoa, on the body of a gumdigger named Kobt. Booth, found dead in his tent in Maori Buy, Whangaparaoa, on the previous day. Hβ was believed to be a member of the Auckland Lumpers' Union. He waa a single man, about thirty years of age, and was believed to be without money or property. He was a native of London and has no relatives in tbo colony.

Alexander McKenzie, aged about 24, eon of Jainea McKenzie, an old settler of Okaihau, met) his doath on Nov. 20 through a kick from an old quiet horse which ho wenb up to and patted on the back'while in the paddock. The horae Jβ supposed to have been aeleep and was frightened at the sudden familiarity, and launched out and kicked Alex, in'the stomach.

The body of a miner, Thos. Tomlin.was found in a waterhole of the Waiomio River, only 100 yards from hie house at Peach Grove arid a mile from K&wakawi. Tho horeeandriderhad evidentlyplunged infrom off a narrow track ab the edge of the river. Probably the man gob stunned. When found, he held some of the horse's mane in one hand and a whip in the other.

A seaman named Alfred Weegner was engaged painting the funnel of the Duke of Buckingham at Wellington on the 14bh November when the rope broke and he fell to tho deck, breaking his thigh and fractraring hie skull. He was taken to the Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.