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Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 143, 19 June 1899, Page 4

His Excellency the Governor visited the golf links at Greenlane on Saturday, and played a game with Mr C. K. S. Gillies (champion of Australasia) against Messrs Brassey and Turner. Tin? Governor and his partner after an interesting game won by one hole. His Excellency afterwards presented the Club's championship cup to the winner, Mr Bnrness.

The Melanesian mission vessel Southern Cross is expected to return this month to Auckland from the Islands,- and will need stores, not only for the ship but for Norfolk Island. The Mission treasurer says there is no money to supply the need. Australia and New Zealand gave less than ill the preceding year—although 49 years ago the General Synods of Australia and Xew Zealand solemnly adopted the Melanesian Mission as the special care of the Church in Australia. The treasurer appeals to the church people of Australasia that they will not, in this, the Jubilee of the' Mission, allow work in Melanesia to be crippled through the want of funds.

The members of the. Pakurnnga Hunt Club met at Otahuhu on Saturday, and then made ah adjournment to "the property of Mr Cirey, where the members have had many an enjoyable run. The hounds wen 1 thrown off on the property, and three, enjoyable runs followed. Among the followers were Mrs Pilling", and officers of H.M.s. Goldfinch.

The Executive of the Auckland District, A.0.P., 'having been invited 1o open a Court of the Order in theWaitekauri District, the officers of the Society proceeded to that mining township on Wednesday last, when Court Pride of Waitekauri, No, 7595, was impressively opened by the I).('.[{.. Bro. S. Davenport, assisted by liro. C. Sheppard, D.S.C.H., Bro. j/Stichbury, D.T., Rro. 1). .1. Wright. D.S,, Bro. E. Norden, D.8.. and liro. Angus Campbell, P.D.C.R. The members having been duly initiated, proceeded to elect their officers, Bro. D. McKay being chosen as C\l., Bro. Sutton S.C.U., and Bro. IClliott, secretary. Great interest was taken in the opening of the new Court by members from Waihi, a large number having braved the rain and mud to be present to lend their aid in the initiation of this new branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters. On Thursday the district officers proceeded to the Thames and paid an ollieial visit to Courts Pride of. l'arnell, 4401), and Pride of the Xortli, f>.*)7.">, a joint meeting being- 'held in the Oddfellows' Hall. The Executive officers were received with the customary formalities by the members, who mustered in good force. After the business had been concluded a number of toasts were honoured. Brother S. Alexander. one of the pioneers of mining at the Thames, was present, in full Robin Hood costume.

A new vessel is needed for the work of the Melanesia!! Mission. The Bishop of Melanesia, through the •'Southern Cross Log," says: —(1) The present ship is too slow to do the work. Her steaming pace in a calm is barely five knots and hour; against a sea or a wind she can make no way at all under steam; (2) the present ship is too small to carry the missionaries, scholars, and cargo that now go to the islands. The cargo fills the schoolrooms and crowds out the scholars. The islands are ripe for the labour of women missionaries. Women are constantly offering themselves for service, and the sinallness of the vessel and want of room and accommodation alone blocks the way; (3) the present ship is very expensive to keep in repair. The Melanesian Mission, therefore, in its Jubilee Year, makes an earnest appeal to the Church in New Zealand, Australia, and England for a new Southern Cross. She makes this appeal for only one. reasen: That her missionaries may be able to extend their work into heathen islands which they cannot now reach, and,the better keep watch over the infant church in islands already won. Repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ has yet to be preached in Tikopia, Yanikoro, Utupua.. many Keel' Islands, Guadalcanal',. New Georgia, Choiseul, Bougainville. Who will help us to «o and'preach the good tidings of peace and goodwill through Christ to His people?"

The Committee of the -Horticultural Society have pleasure in announcing to the children intending to compete in the garden section of the next show, to be held in November, that Her Ladyship the Countess of Ranfurly has kindly promised to present medals as first and second prizes for both girls and boys for the best cultivated garden grown under the supervision of Ihe Society's supervisors, and judged by judges appointed by the Society. Children are to understand that the work is to be done by themselves, without assistance. Should there be a sufficient number of entries there will be a third prize, presented by the Society, for girls and boys.

Messrs Churton and Co., estate agents, report the following- transact tions in real estate:—Twelve and a half acres, Epsom-Mount Albert Road, to Mr Corcoran, £1250; Lauderdale estate, Penrose, 3 acres, £75 per acre; 3 acres, £65, and 1 acre,'£Bo; "building operations commence this week. Esplanade Road, Mount Eden,\ villa, £450; Glenmore, 1 allotment, 40 x 200, £5 5s per foot, making1 the fourth transaction in this property within the fortnight.

Mr J. G. Somers, manager of Mr S. McLernon's Gisborne jewellery establishment, died at the residence of his mother, Ponsonby Road, on Saturday. Mr Somers had been allowed a holiday and came, to Auckland. He was expected back on Friday, but in the meantime had taken to his bed. Mr Somers was wellknown in Gisborne and highly esteemed, being kind-hearted and of a genial disposition. ._.,„■ ~_, . t . .. .

The concert at the Sailors' Hall on j Saturday night was good, and many ; had to stand to listen to the pro- i gramme provided by the Church of ; Christ Band of Hope. Mr King and Mrs Stewart were deservedly encored for their songs, and Mr Jordan's amusing recitation was also encored. Miss Valentine sang 'My Old" Coimtree,' several boys and girls sang and ■■ rowed 'The Life Boat Crew of 01(1 England' in costume, the two Misses j Rowlings, in costume, sang and acted ; 'J Won't Play in Your Yard,' and Miss A. Hughes gave a very interesting recitation. Mr W. A. Richardson, chairman, in his address was listened to with much attention, and at the close nine persons came forward and signed the pledge.

Messrs Gabriel Lewis and Co. will sell at the residence of Mrs Ootz, Clifton Road, Ponsonby, on Wednesday next, at 11 o'clock, her household furniture, piano, etc.

Messrs O'Leary Bros, and Downs, seedsmen, of Due .».a-st., have removed to new precimes immediately opposite Milne and Choyce's, Queeo-st. Their old customers the public will have the \isual prompt attention paid to all orders.

Last eveningtlieCenti'a] Mission Hall was crowded at the usual Sunday evening revival service. From half past six to seven the time was occupied with a song service. The singing wan strictly congregational, there being no choir, but led by an efficient orchestra, and was entered into heartily by all present. During the song service the orchestra rendered several selection. and this half hour seems to be thoroughly en-

joyed by the large audience that gathers, ami in a great measure contributes to the popularity of these meetings amongst non-ehtirchgoers. At seven o'clock the service proper commenced, and after the opening' devotional services Mr Brunton, of Melbourne, gave an earnest address. He spoke from the life of Jacob, dwelling specially upon the ■wrestling of God with him until the breaking1 of the day. The speaker pleaded with all present to accept Christ as their Saviour. During the service Mrs Wood sang a solo, and a vocal quartette was also very sweetly rendered. A number stayed to an after meeting.

The. Wairoa (Ilawke's Bay) .Railway League at a meeting held on j'riday night [Kissed the following1 resolution: 'That the members of the League pledge themselves to vote for the Parliamentary candidate who will pledge himself to make railway "ouneetion between Xapier and Gisborne his election platform, irrespective of all other considerations; that a copy of the above resolution be sent to the East Coast Railway League, and that they be asked to adopt a similar course.'

The "Southern Cross Log" just published contains an interesting letter from the [Jishop of Melanesia. Referring 1o his return home to Norfolk Island Bishop Wilson says:—"The Mission parly gave us a hearty welcome, decorating the road to St. Barnabas' with flags and mottoes. The Norfolkers, headed by Doctor Metcalfe, were kind enough to meet us on the pier and read us an address. It was good indeed to be back again after so many months of abscence, and after so much 1 ravel, i do |>ray that my?year of work away from here may have strengthened the Mission by making more secure its base, when its chief human support in England has been taken away, and by some little encouragement given to old friends, and by the enlistment of new oncjs. If this is so, we shall be able to go on acting upon what has been called 'a policy of faith,' accepting good, earnest, men as missionaries whenever they offer themselves for the work, believing that money will come to pay their stipends. Trade is spreading rapidly through the islands, and more and more traders are settling amongst our people. Besides these, a new element has to be considered. Roman Catholic priests have entered our diocese at both ends —in the Solomons and in the New Hebrides. 'Twere better to live from year's end to year's end amongst our people, and it is natural to expect that some islanders, at any rate, will follow the teaching of those who are always on the spot. I believe that we shall be forced to alter our methods, as traders and Koman Catholics push forward, and to leave our missionaries in the islands for two or three years at a time, instead of bringing them back to Norfolk Island. This can only be done by increasing our staff of clergy, and that can only be done through the increased support of the Mission in the colonies and in England."