LOCAL NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 304, 24 December 1898, Page 3

LOCAL NEWS.

A deputation from the Ponsonby Naval Corps waited by appointment upon Mr J. H. Witheford at the Star Hotel last evening shortly after eight o'clock for the purpose of tendering that gentleman the thanks of the Company for having- while in London forwarded a donation of £25 towards its funds. Mr George Watson introduced the deputation, which consisted of Chief Petty-Officer J. Spinley and First - class Petty-Officer G. Spinley. The former thanked Mr Witheford for his generosity in having forwarded unsolicited such a handsome donation to the funds of the corps, and said it was a. most welcome addition to the Government capitation grant. Mr Witheford in reply said that 'while he was away he often thought of the Corps, knowing that boats required keeping in repair, added to which there were other expenses. He always felt an interest in the Corps, being an honorary life member, and was associated with it in his early days when commanded by the late Captain Morpeth. Some time was then spent in discussing the progress made by the Corps, Mr Witheford acting as host to the deputation.

A pleasant gathering took place last evening in the Epiphany Schoolroom, the occasion being the distribution of the prizes to the scholars attending the Messrs Taylor's Western Park School. The Rev. Mr Lush presided and made a few opening remarks, after which he distributed the prizes to the successful scholars. The Rev. Joseph Campbell, M.A., delivered a short address, in the course of which he complimented the Misses Taylor upon the progress made during the year Action songs were given by the scholars and some of the elder pupils performed solos and duets on the pianoforte. There was quite a large o-athering of parents and friends. Yesterday afternoon the Misses Taylor entertained their scholars to afternoon tea in the Western Park, and the little ones had quite a merry time playing games in the cool shade of the trees.

The Ponsonby Lodge of Druids were entertained at' a smoke concert last eveningl given by Bro. Wm. Blomfield, Arch Druid. A very pleasant eveningwas spent and several toasts were honoured, including- 'The Queen and Druidism ' 'Friendly Societies' Conference, and "The Grand Lodge of Druids.' Songs were given by a number present. The Hon. W. Jennings, P.D.P., was among those who attended.

Another meeting- of the Council of the New Zealand Rowing Association wafe held at Wellington last night to further consider the difficulty which has arisen regarding some members of a Wellington rowing club. A motion was moved to rescind Thursday's resolution, which was to the effect that the men were not professionals, but although there was a majority in favour'of rescinding Thursdays's decision the chairman, fortified by legal opinion, declined to receive the motion. Under these circumstances there is no necessity for the special meeting of the Rowing Association which was being convened for the purpose of reinstating the men, and it has therefore been abandoned.

\ letter has been received by the Auckland Harbour Board from the secretary, Mr J. M. Brigham, who is now in England as the Board's representative in connection with the proposed establishment of a naval station at Auckland for Her Majesty's warships in New Zealand waters. Mr Brigham says he has so far succeeded in his mission that, the official heads of the Admiralty have approved the plans and estimates submitted by the Board, providing for the expenditure of some £GO,OOO, and practically agreed that payment of interest should be made on that amount. The matter is now in the hands of the Lords of the Admiralty, and at the time of writing, Air Brigham was given to understand that it would in all probability be a month before he would receive any reply. The Chairman of the Board, Mr Malcolm Niccol, is now daily ex-. pecting a cable from Mr Brigham. The New Zealand Government has intimated to shipping companies of Sydney, who are in the habit of bringing- Austrian immigrants for gum digcrino-, that owing to the Kauri Gum Industry Act, 189S, the Austrians must be in the colony three months before cretting a license to dig for gum. The Government has informed the Union Company and the other shipping companies interested that Austrians will not be allowed to land in New Zealand unless the company guarantees their maintenance. The Agent-General has been similarly communicated with.

Visitors to town are invited to ?n----c-ptct Smith and Cau?hey's clothing department They hold by far the larWst stock, and sell,for the lowest possible price for cash only.—(Advt.) 5000 Articles suitable for Christmas presents for old and young, now sellF nff at half cost price. Bring your children and see our exhibition. D.b.U, City Hall.—(Ad.)