FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1891.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 94, 24 April 1891, Page 2

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1891.

The refusal of the South Australian Minister of Education to receive a deputation of clergymen who wished to repeat onco more their well-known and bhroadbare arguments in favour of tho introduction of tho Bible into State schools, will doubtless draw upon him tho resentment of a considerable uumber of people. The action of the Minister was, perhaps, meant as a hint to 6he reverend petitioners that the subject was fully threshed out, that tho Government of South Australia look upon tho question as finally settled, and that to re" open it would servo no practical purpose. At the same time the propriety of die attitude assumed by tho hon. gentleman is somewhat questionable. It is usual for a Cabinet Minister to give audionce to a number of respectable citizens, when the object sought to bo attained is, in the opinion of the deputation, and those whom they represent), calculated to promote the welfare of the general public. That such was tho view entertained by tho members of the deputation will not be denied even by tho moet determined opponentsof theßible in schools parby. The refusal may, of courso, have been induced simply by the personal predilections of the Minister, but if, as we believe is the case, it shows the general drift of public opinion upon the constantly recurring question of Bible-readiug in schools, it is not without a a certain eignifiance.

The position of ihe Protestant clergy since the adoption by the various .colonies of a secular systom of education, is unique and without a precedent in history. Since its inception. Protestantism has laid etress upon the principle that the Bible should bo in the hands of every person in the community. The maintenance of this theory has been regarded as constituting its chief claim for superiority over ita Catholic rival, and the assumption that Bible teaching was withheld from the masses of the people has been generally pat forward a? ono of the principal reasons for the establishment of Protestant missions in purely Roman Catholic countries. The constant boast lias been that the Bible is the source of England's greatness, and leaving all the other factors of Anglo-Saxon prosperity out of sight, ib has bpen assumed that in some mysterious way the mere reading of the text of the Bible i? sufficient to accounb for the proud place which the British Empire occupies among the nations of the earth. This theory has been rudely shaken during the last few years, and in the latter half of the nineteenth century we arc confronted with the strange fact) that in colonios where the vast majority of the people are Protestanb one legislature after another has refused to give the Bible any place in tho national system of education.

The Protestant clergy who are face to face with this singular phenomenon have not the satisfaction of accounting for it by saying that the current of modern thought has set in etrongly either towards Catholicism or towards secularism, so far as the latter is opposed to the fundamental principles of the Christian religion. So far as Catholicism is concerned, there is no indication that colonial populations have any idea of substituting Latin Christianity for the system which has prevailed among Eng-lish-speaking people since tho Reformation. Secularism, as a substitute for a religious system, takes no hold upon the minds of the maaeee of Anglo-Saxons. Nor can it be said that the exclusion of the Bible from State schools can be charged to the preponderance of Roman Catholic influence in the various legislatures. In some colonies, when the measure was passed, the Roman Catholic legislators might have been counted on the fingers of one hand, while in nob a single colonial Parliament, co far as numbers are concerned, had the members of that communion a preponderating influence.

Ife is constantly asserted by the clergy that Parliament, in the matter of Biblereading in the State Schools, does nob represent the general mind of the country. If by this is meant that the people, in any colony, New Zealand for example, have a profound reverence for the Bible, and a belief in the efficacy of its moral teaching, we fully agree with the clergy ; but if in addition it is implied that members of Parliament, as a body, do not share in this sentiment, we entirely dissent. Among the members of Parliament who have moat strenuously opposed any interference with the present system of education, in the shape of introducing the Bible, or selections from the Bible, are numbers of gentlemen who hold responsible official positions in the various denominations. They would reject with indignation, the insinuation that they undervalue the Bible, or refuse to accept it as a Divine Revelation. Its important bearing upon the history of ancient nations, and the influence it haa had upon the noblest specimens of English literature, they are fully agreed upon. But members of Parliament as a rule are business men. They have to look upon the practical side of life, and they may well be excused if, with thousands of other people in whom tbe

religious sentiment ia both strong and deep, they fail to see that the mere reading of the Bible, without note or comment, would have any beneficial effect upon the lads and girls in school, or tend in any appreciable manner to raise the standard of morals in the community generally.

It must be borno in mind that it is this, and nothing , more, for which the clergy in South Australia are at present contending. They do not profess that the mere reading of a chapter from the Bible each day by scholars would bo the best mode of impaiting religious instruction, but, hopoless of any greater concession, they are willing to try it. In this respect the Protestant clergy are at a great disadvantage compared with fcho Roman Catholic authorities. The latter reject such proposals with scorn, and consistently say they will be satisfied with nothing lesa than the teaching of religion in their schools by their own clergy. This position is logical, and agrees with the traditions of Catholicism. Bub suppose tho Protestant clergy could compass their point of having the Bible read in tho State Schools, what substantial advantages would they gain? Protestants are not more willing than Roman Catholics to let'people form thoir religious opinions from simply reading Scriptural texts. If this were so. there would bo no need of public exposition, and all that is required would bo to induce tho people to read their Bibles ab home. Bub so far from adhering to this principle, a largo portion of Protestant worship consists of expounding and explaining the Bible. If adults cannot be trusted to (hid out the meaning of the sacred writers, are we to suppose that childron will intuitively grasp tho meaning of a chapter in Chronicles, or an argument in St. Paul's pastoral opi.stlcs? The theory, when pressod to its logical conclusion, is absurd. It is not matter of opinion, but of fact, which can be veriliod by anyono who troubles to listen to a succession of clergymen in our own city, that not only in details, but even with regard to what are considered by some important doctrines, there is the widest diversity of opinion. An Auckland gentlemen recently put this to the test with regard to what some persons consider a very prominent and imporbunfc Scriptural doctrine—the personal reign of Christ upon earth. The subjecb was treated within three weeks by throe divines, each of good average ability. Tho first taught distinctly thab Christ would come, probably in a few year*, and establish a kingdom upon earth ; the second taught that Christ's second coming had taken placo in tho Apostolic age ; while tho third scouted the idea thab tho pussagee referred to any porsonal reign upon earth ab all. Each pridod himself on tho lacb that his argument was grounded on Scripture beaching. Wo mention this to show how vain is the hopo that a schoolboy, from a hurried rush through a chapter, would have any clearly-defined ideas of religion impressed upon his mind. For it is> not nioroly Bible-rcudiiig, bub tho ultimate aims of the clergy must be considered. The teaching ot .Scripture is valuable to them so far as it inculcates tho doctrines of their various sects. Tho Rev. Mr Lewis, ox-Prosidenb of the VVesleyun Conference, deprecated tho idea of sending his boy to a school where ho might imbibo tho Anglican view of the sacraments. Tho difficulties experienced isi maintaining tho faith of Lewis, junior, pure and undofiled are the real difficulties in the way of religious teaching in the State schools. No one sect would bo willing to have its children taught by the religious teachers of another sect. All sects would clamour against religion being taught by a schoolmastor who might bo a Jow, Unitarian, or secularist. Tho moral is plain. Tho secular system niusb be maintained intact. Tho day-school musb bo in the hands of the State, and the Sunday-school in the hands of the clergy.

After a remarkably fine and pleasant passage down tho Pacilic the mail-steamor Mariposa, Captain 11. M. Hay ward, arrived horo at 7.30 a.m. from San Francisco, via. Honolulu and Tutuila, with the latest English and American maila. She brings English dates up to March 21st, and loft San Francisco on the 3rd inst. On this occasion she has brought half-a-dozen passengers for Now Zealand, and has in transit twenty-three saloon and seventeen stoernge for Sydney, including a number of American theatrical and business people. The steamer called at Tutuila, in the Samoan Group, on tho 18th insb., but no news of importance was gathered there. Sho brings a considerable quantity of general American cargo for tho colonies, a fair portion of which ia for Auckland. The Mariposa leaves again for Sydney this evening. She brings the latest English mails, and her one day's delay at San Francisco was caused by the late arrival of the Home mail at New York. The first portion of her English maila arrived at Now York by the mail steamer Majestic from Liverpool, but the rest of the mails, which were on board the R.M.s. Umbria, were delayed by tho lengthy passage of that vesaol across the Atlantic, and consequently detained the trains and the mail boat.

Amongst the through passengers from America for Sydnoy by the mail-steamer Mariposa, is the Hon. Julian E. Salomons! Q.C, M.L.C., of Now South Wales, who is returning to his colonial home after an extended tour in North America. Mr Salomons' visit was chiefly confined to Canada, where he has been amiduously sbudying the Federal form of Government on his own account, in order to ascertain as accurately as possible its advantages and disadvantages compared with the present form of Government in these colonies. While in Canada he conferred with Sir John Macdonald, the Premier, and Sir John Tupper, High Commissioner for Canada in England, and he holds a very high opinion of both those gentlemen. As the result of hie political investigations Mr Salomons is still strongly of opinion that the federal foim of Government is inconsistent with a reasonable degree of individual liberty, and that there is the ever-existing danger of conflict between the various provincial Governments and the head Federal Government in regard to legislation which would lead to constant friction. Still Mr Salomons says there are very many excellent points in the federal form of Government, and he will no doubt find fresh food for reflection « hen ho reaches Ncn* South Wales again, and learns of the proceedings of the Federal Convention.

One of the passengers through to Sydney from 'Frisco by the R.M.B. Mariposa is Mr Amos Burr, an American business man, the travelling representative of the celebrated Vanderbilt lines oE railway in the United States. Mr Burr has come oat here to establish an agency in Sydney for the liners, in order to draw attention to them as a favourite route for colonial and other travellers on their way across the North American Continent. The Vanderbilt lines comprise the Michigan Central Railroad, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, and the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.

A versatile American theatrical man, Mr F. J. Currier, has arrived by theß.M.s. Mariposa en route to Melbourne, where he will produce under the management of the Messrs JVlacMahon, of Her Majesty's Opera House, the latest New York success " The County Fair," written and played by Mr Neil Burgess. Mr Currier brings with him OTer 60cwb of machinery for nee in the great race scene, which shows five horses going at full speed for twenty seconds in full view of the audience. The company will be here moat likely by the end of the year.

The s. s. Hauroto, from Newcastle direct, arrived at Wellington yesterday, and reported that on the 20th, when in latitude 37deg 45min S., longitude 156 dec 54min E., Joseph Oakley, A.8., fell overboard while washing the davits of the port lifeboat. A lifebuoy was thrown from the poop, the engine stopped and reversed, and a boat lowered. The boat picked up the lifebuoy, but no trace was found of the man.

A farmer named Edward Frost attempted to cut his throat at Nelson yesterday, bub the knife was dull, and hopes are entertained of his recovery. It appears that he was threshing three weeks ago, when a grain of corn Hew into his ear. He could nob romove this, and it affected his brain.

The rainfall for the month of March throughout tho colony was : —Auckland, l-57in; Wellington, T44in; Lincoln, •59in ; Dunedin, 2'l9in; Inveroargill, 8-75 in. Tho heaviest rainfall in one day was at Summit, Wellington, on 16th, when l - 57in was registored.

There was a small attendance ab the drill of tho "A " Battery held in the Drillshed last night. Captain Geddes and Lieut. O'Brien commanded the two gun detachments formed, and these were pub through a preliminary courea of field drill by Sorgeant-Major Bush, of the Permanent Artillery.

The Newton Brass Band have arranged a series of weekly "socials" to take place during , tho winter months in St. George's Hall, Nowton. Lnsb night there was a good gathering of the band members and their friends. The programme comprised 13 dancos, Mr F. Corbetb making an efficient M.C.

Amongsb the through passengers for Sydney by the R. M.S. Maripoea from 'Frisco is Mr H. T. Case, very well-known here and better known as " Ole Man Case," tho representative of D. M. Osborne and Co., Harvestor. He has jusb returned to visit old friends, and push the Company's interests throughout tho colonies.

Tho charge against Mrs Cecilia Clarke of having set fire to the new houso of Mr Chieliolm at Nelson last February, occupied tho R.M. Court all day yesberday. Tho magistrate expressed the opinion that tho evidence was not sufficient for conviction, and ditcharged the accussed.

The Commissioners who held an inquiry into tho Middle Head (Sydney) disaster, when a guncotton mine exploded, killing four men, have submitted their report to tho Government. They find that Lieutenant Hammond, who was in charge of tho launch, and Corporal McKee, both of whom were killed, were alono to blame for tho explosion.

Tho Defence Minister has held a conference with tho Wellington oflicors of the permanent milibia and volunteers to discuss matters relative to tho best method of strengthening volunteer corps, and bringing them in closer connection with the permanent forces. It was decided to hold a big field day on tho Queen's Birthday in tho vicinity of tho forts, in which tho volunteers and permanent force shall take part.

Mr C. D. Berry, who is in the Auckland Hospital, suffering from rheumatics, was last night tendered a bonefib in the Devonporb Hall, North Shore. Thero was a fairly good attendance, ami after the expenses have been paid, there will be a surplus to hand over. Mr E. W. Alison (Mayor of Devonpprfc), and Captain Castle, and Lieutenant Sparks, of H. M.s. Rapid, were among the audience. The programme was a long aad diversified one.

Tho assistant Grand Secretary of the New Zealand Grand Lodge, Bro. W. 11. Cooper, receiver] yesterday tho following toloeram from the Rev. W. Ronaldt-on, the Grand Secretary, Chrisbchurch : —"Grand Lodge claims supreme authority in this territory. Conbradicb all assertions to the contrary." This shows that the statements made lately that the New Zealand Consitution was prepared to accept a subordinate or even equal position to the other Constitution is nob correct.

A wire from Wellington states that stamp duty has recently been paid on the following estates :—John Slater, Auckland, £12,966; Edward Pharazyn, Wairarapa, £18.783; Sir W. Fitzherbert, £7,796; Solomon Nashelski, Christcburch, £17,400 ; Thomas Lloyd, Christchurch, £32,415; Myers Morris, Dunedin, £2,743 ; Edward Murphy, Dunodin, £4,548 ; Edward Gibeon, Dunedin, £1,406 ; Thomas B. Dove, Punedin, £1,781 ; Alexander McNab, Otago, £64,000.

Tho New Zealand bank returns for the quarter ending 31st March are as follows ;— Liabilities: Notes in circulation, £929,065 8s ; bills in circulation, £58,355 4s ; balances due to other banks, £29,986 0s ; Government deposits, £538,332 16s 10d ; deposits not boaring interest, £3,687,879 17s; deposits bearing interest, £8,586,152 19a 10d ; total liabilities, £13,829,822 6s 6d. Assets : Coin, £2,268,637 15sId; bullion, £215,123 7s 10; notes and bills of other banks, £43,338 2s; balances due from other banks, £149,638 11s 2d ; landed property, £514,991 7s 10d ; notes and bills discounted, £2,347,885 9s 7d ; Government securities, £100,8015s 8d ; securities not included under other heads, £1,935,877 12s 5d ; good debts due, £9,526,631 Is 8d ; total assets, £17,102,924 13s 3d.

To the Editor : Sir, —I am the butcher alluded to in your article "Our Meat Supply," in Tuesday's issue. I have nothing to disguise in the matter, therefore sign my name to the following explanation :—(1) 1 twice brought clear ovidenco that one butcher bad not adhered to tho prices fixed by the Association ; the tirtil) time he was cautioned, and the second fined £1. This paltry fine did not, of course, deter him from pursuing the same practice. (2) Finding that tho Association were either unwilling or unable to protect me in carrying out my agreement, 1 resigned my membership. (3) Having resigned, I was, of course, perfectly justified in carrying on my own trade as seemed to me desirable. The breach of Association rules by the butcher referred to and its effect upon my business in particular, naturally led to my attempting to punish his pocket, I therefore sent my cart round the immediate neighbourhood of his shop. (4) In consequence of my doing thia the Batchers' Association wrote to the Freezing Company asking that they should not supply me with meat. This request the Company refused to entertain after an explanation of tho facts, and in view of the existence of tho further fact, which was within their knowledge, that I had kept my agreement with them by taking the quantity of meat stipulated for. Tho manager, in tho course of an interview, informed me that I was one ot the few butchers who had done so.—l am, etc., T. Baenaby, Ponsonby Road.

The usual meeting of tbe Newmarket Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers, Manukau Road, last evening, but very little business of any importance was transacted. There were present: The Mayor (Mr Kent), Messrs Whyman, Lumpkin, Laxon, Holmes, Randall, and Angus. Owing to the absence of Cr. Clayton, who hud tabled the following notice of motion:—" Thab the burgess list of the Borougb of Newmarket be printed at a cost, not exceeding £3," the matter was allowed to stand over. It was decided to reinstate George Bishop's name on the burgess roll of the borough. Mr John Bush, Carlton Gore Road, wrote complaining of the defective drainage in a certain portion ot the road. The letter was received. The Mayor and Cr. Holmes were empowered to see Mr Lawry, M.H.R., regarding the representation of tbe Newmarket Council at tho forthcoming Municipal Conference in Wellington. The Mayor 'gave notice of motion to strike for a rate of la 2d in the £.

Typhoid fever appears to be prevalent in Aucldand just now. Thirteen cases are at preaent under treatment ab tho Hospital.

To-morrow afternoon, ab 4 o'clock, the Bicycle Road Race from Onehunga to Parnell comes off, and the winner may be looked for about half-pasb four o'clock.

Messrs G. W. Owen and Co. have been advised by their London agent bhat 23 kegs of salted butter ex Morayshire has been sold ab 98s per cwt. This represents a shade over per lb, and must be regarded as highly satisfactory.

Mr Thos. Seaman, fche enumerator, is making good progress with the census returns. On inquiry to-day we learn thab the whole of the town returns have now been received, but there are a number yet to come in from bhe country districts. Somo little time will elapse before the returns are complete for publication.

William McNaught, of Kihikihi, a bank rupb, made a sworn statemenb concerning his affairs before the Official Assignee today. Hie liabilities are £201 12s 6d, and assets £186. The firsb meeting of creditors will take place on Wednesday next.

The annual meeting of theY.M.C.A. will be held this evening at 7.30. As Mr YV. Hind Smibh will be a passensrer by the s.s. Alameda, this will be the last opportunity bhe public will have of hearing him.

The usual social in connection with the Burns Club Highland Assemblies was held last nighb in the Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road. Between twenty and thirty couples took part in bhe dance programme, Mr A. McLean acting as Master of Ceremonies. Messrs Read and .Davis provided the music.

A special meeting of the Saddlers' Union was held luet evening in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road. There was a good attendance, tho business in hand being the consideration of a statement of wages thab has jusb been compiled.

Eleven candidates are nominated for the Papakura School Committee; thess include all tho members of the present Commibbee, and four obhers. Eight candidates have been nominabed for the Drury Commibbee, 60 bhab there will be an election on Monday next.

Tho steamer Vivid, Captain Marshall, is about closing her excursion season up the Waitemata, and will commence her last month of pleasure trips up to Riverhead to-morrow, starting from the Queen-street Wharf as usual.

A cable message from Sydney to-day states that H. M. flagship Orlando, Admiral Scott, Capb. Barlow, arrived in Sydney harbour yesterday from Auckland. The Orlando called ab Norfolk Island, on her way from Auckland, for the purpose of baking Bishop Selvvyn on to Sydney, bub the reverend genbleman was too ill to leave the island. H.M.s. Rapid is to leave Auckland to-morrow for Hobarb via Norfolk Island, and will, if possible, take Bishop Selwyn on board.

The monthly meeting of tho Drury Band of Hope was held on Wednesday. The Rev. T. Norrie presided. The attendance was very good. The following programme was well rendered :—Duet, Misses S. and C. Cossey ; recitation, Master Tom Mayo ; quartette, Missesßallard.Brooksand Park ; recitation, Master Joe Prince ; song, Mr S. Ballard (encored) ; reading by the Chairman ; song, Miss Park ; recitation, Mr Flanaghan ; song, Mies Ballard ; recitation, Mr Pulman.

A meeting , of creditors in fc'ie estate of Letitia Brown was held at tho office of the Official Aesicrnee to-day. Mx-a Thompson was examined, and eaid that as she had lost the money f if ib would help her mother she would nob mind giving the creditors her life insurance policy, the surrender value of which was worth about £70. Ifc was agreed to adjourn tho meeting for a week to enable Mrs Thompson's oiier to be carried into efi'ect, in which evonb the creditors will not oppose Mrs Brown's discharge.

Tho following handicaps have been declared by Messrs Whiteside and Evans for the J mile in connection with .Ponsonby Second Fifteen : —Wells, scratch ; Hope, Gough, Taylor, Roid, syds ; Frost, 6yds ; Young, Gilleapie, Whaiton, Byds; Peace, 9yds; Major, Kilfoylo, Mellis, 10yds; McPhail, Curlie, Wakerly, Beamieh, Keegan, 12yds ; Bird, Griffiths, Masefield, MeConnell, 13yds ; Lowe, Bolton, McMillan, 15 yds ; McHale, Chaplin, Kilgour, W. McConnell, 16yds ; Fagan, 17yds ; Hawkins, Fenton, Main, Chadwick, 18yds ; Monnock, 20yds ; Taylor, 25yds.

Two seamen belonging to the ship Brooraball, named respectively Joseph Bright and Thomas Hughes, appeared at the Police Court this morning. They are charged with having on the 26th of February unlawfully broached cargo and stolen eighteen bottles of whiskey, value £4, the property of F. Dundas, master of the ship. Mr Cotter appeared on behalf of the captain, and asked for a remand for a week. Tho men pleaded not guilty and objected to the adjournment. The Bench, however, granted the remand, allowing each accused bail in their own surety of £10, and one surety in a like sum.

The "Gazette" notices that the services of the following officers have been dispensed with on reduction from 31st March last: — Chas. Alexander JH umfrey, late colonel New Zealand Militia, Under-Seoretary for Defence ; Lieutonant-Colonel Stapp, New Zealand Militia, commanding Taranaki and Wanganui volunteer districts ; LieutenantColonel Butts, New Zealand Militia, commanding Wellington and Wairarapa volunteer districts; Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, New Zealand -Militia, commanding Auckland volunteer district; Captain Taylor, New Zealand Permanent Militia. The resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel Hume of his appointment as inspector of volunteers is gazetted.

The usual meeting of the Caledonian Society was held last evening in tho Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road. Mr Robertson, one of the Vice-Presi-dents, occupied the chair. An excellent programme of glees, trios, songs, and recitations was given by members of St. David's choir, under the able leadership of Mr Culpan, who sang " The Vagabond " in good style. Miss Reid was very successful in " Within a Mile o' Edinboro' Toon " and "Bonnie Annie Laurie," while Miss Miller recoived a desorved encore for her rendition of "I Lo'e Nae a Laddie bub Aue," to which she responded with " Oor Kail Yaird." Mr McGregor sang with good effect, " First in the Field," Mrs Culpan recited a humorous piece entitled " Richard and Kate," and of the variousconcerted pieces, that entitled " Scotland" fetched the Caledonians most feelingly. The Chairman gave a piece entitled, " Wallace, Bruce, and Burns," which was well received.

Ab the conference of mining delegates at Westport yesterday a new departure was taken in the direction of the reorganisation of labour associations on the lines recently laid down by the Miners' Association of Australasia at Stawell, Victoria. A supreme council is to be established by election from vaiious districts of the association. Under the new arraagement New Zealand becomes a full colonial district, the Amalgamated Miners' Association including, in addition to the miners and labourers of the West Coast, Shag Point, Green Island, Huntly, and other unions, several large unions ab the Thames and Coromandel nob previously identified with the Southern unions, the new combinations totalling a membership of 23,000. Regulations were passed whereby no serious step could be taken to involve large bodies of men in disputes without consultation of tho whole membership of the branches of the association, thus preventing intemperate action of irresponsible leaders,

The now world-famous Koch lymph has at length reached the shores of Nβ* Zealand, a consignment having arrived by the mail steamer this morning to the order of Messrs Sharland and Co.

A meeting of persona in favour of the prohibition policy was held last night in the Foresters' Hall, when about 40 were present, Mr Henry Hirst presiding, lhe business was all done in committee in connection with the rolls.

On inquiry afc the Hospital to-day, we learn that Mr W. E. Dawes, who met witn injuries ais the Ellerslie racecourse yesterday morning, is progressing favourably. No bones are broken, but one of Mr Dawee oyea is severely bruised. It is expected that several days' rent will enable the patient to leave the institution. Dr. Giles, R.M., dismissed judgment summonsesat the Court this morning in the following cases :—H. L. Possenniskie v. William R. Fossbrooke, claim £6; nnd James Rae v. Thomas Shortt, claim £1 ss. An application was made by Mr C. Buddie, on behalt of the trustees in the estate of John Probert, for recovery of a tenement which had been deserted. The evidence showed that John George Hobson, the present lessee, was now in Victoria, and that the premises were deserted. Hie Worehip therefore made the order.

It is noi often that prosecutions are instituted under the Stamp Duties Act, 1875. A case was, however, dealt with at the Police Court this morning, when a man, John Samuel Rowe, was charged with having committed a breach of that Act at Mangonui Bluff, Dargaville, by signing a receipt for £10 9s without having affixed the stamp as required by law. Mr Burton appeared for the defendant and pleaded guilty. He explained that the transaction occurred in a country district end Mr Rowe could not obtain a stamp, so he gave the receipb and asked the receiver toaffixaetampafterwards. This, however, he forgot to do, and it was nob until the receipt was put in as evidence at Court in another case that the omission was noticed. The Bench inflicted a fine of 10s and costs.

In tho local produce market the currenb prices for tho principal lines of consumption remain unchanged. In dairy produce, butter maintains its lasb week's prices ; eggs are still scarce and command Is 6d per dozen wholesale. In farm produce, quotations are in the main unaltered. The flour market is afc preeent in a rather unsettled condition and prices are fluctuating. Southern potatoes are coming in in large quantities, and are quoted at £3 10s per ton. Bran and sharps are in good demand. Fowl wheat is very scarce. The kauri gum market is still very unsettled and unsatisfactory, and very little business ie doing. The supplies for this month to date are about 550 tons. Current prices for gum are still low and unaltered, and are expected only to rise with a change for the better in the class of gum now coming in.

Afe the Police Court this morning: three first-offending inebriates were each fined ss, or 24 hours. Elizabeth E, Laud was also fined 10s and costs, or 48 hours' for drunkenness. James Mackie was remanded to Wellington on the charge of not supporting his six children, and Henry Duns con was fined as and costs for allowing the chimney of his house to take fire. John Denny was fined 5s and costs for depositing a load of scoria in Newton Road, whereby life and limb were endangered. Dr. King gave evidence as to hie horse falling over the scoria, and being himself thrown to the ground. As the defendant was a poor man, Dr. King declined to take hisexpenses, and subsequently paid thefine.' Messrs W. McCullough, F. L. Prime, and J. P. King were on the bench.

The annual Church of England soiree was held in the Papakura Public Hall on Tuesday last, and paseed off successfully. The Ray. N. D. Boyes presided. The tables were provided by Mesdatnes Daubeny, Hewlett, Shopperson, and K. Willis. Musical selections were given by Mrs Swears, Miss Webb, and Mr A. G. Fallwell. Songs were eung by Mesdames Henderson and Niblock, and Misses Huxt&ble and Reid, and by Messrs Maunsell, E. Clayton, and L. Tomiinson and Dr. Carolan ; duet by Mrs and Miss Hockin. A recitation was given by Rev. O. R. Hewlett, and readings were given by Rev. T. Norrie, Messrs H. King "and S. Walker. The piano accompaniments were well played by Mrs McCurdy and other ladies.

Yesterday afternoon a waggon accident happened in Hobson-street, whereby Kershaw Garratt, a son of Cγ. Garratt, twelve years of age, received injuries. It appears that Mr John Garratb, an elder brother, was driving a trap, in which were seated his younger brother and sister, when through some cause the horse boltsd. One of the reins gave way in endeavouring to pull up the horse, and the animal swerved, and ran towards a shop, carrying away two posts. The result was Kerehaw Garratt got one of his legs injured below the knee, while John Garratt was hurt about the legs. The little girl fortunately escaped uninjured. Immediately after the accident, the sufferers were removed to their father's resideftce in East-street, Newton, being accompanied by Archdeacon Dudleys who witnessed the accident, and they were subsequently attended by Dr. Coom.