MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 15, 18 January 1901, Page 3

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR Europe and America.

OUR HOME LETTER

AUCKLAND, N.Z., Friday, January IS. The New Year was marked by the adoption by New Zealand of penny postage with the United .Kingdom and elsewhere, but. excepting' Australia*

which pending' the decision of the Federal Government- adheres to Hie old rate. 'The reform has been exceedingly popular, and the first result has been a very considerable increase in our outward mails. The loss of revenue consequent on the reduction will probably be much less than might be anticipated. Since the departure of the last 'Frisco mail preparations for the despatch of a Sixth New Zealand Contingent to South Africa have been pushed on vigorously, and the Contingent, is expected to leave the colony in tlie s.s. Cornwall shortly before the end oi' this month. It will consist of 525 men, of whom 500 are being equipped by the British Government, and the extra 25 by the citizens of Christchurch. Each of the four large cities supplies 105 men drawn from towu and country, and the balance are being sent from various parts of the colony. The call to arms has met with an enthusiastic response, far more than the requisite number of to en sendingin ajiplications for enrolment. The authorities were thus enabled to pick and choose, and the result is that a tine body of men has been selected. Many bad never had any volunteer experience, bin the continuous drilling since the camps were formed has worked wonders, and by the time the Contingent leaves the men will be well up iv their drill. Government stock inspectors have been busy in the country districts purchasing horses for the Contingent. Lieut.-Colonel Banks, oflicor commanding the. Auckland District, will command the Contingent, with five subordinate officers. To Auckland has been entrusted the honour of bidding farewell to the Contingent, and preparations are on foot j with n view to making the demonstration worthy of the city and the occasion. New Zealanders participated in the celebrations which marked the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth, but it cannot be said that we. were at all enthusiastic upon the subject. The great features of the celebrations were the proces-sioji and the Imperial review, which took place on the Ist and 3rd insts. Tlie procession was a very imposing pageant, in which Great Britain and ihe whole of her dependencies were represented. A New Zealand contingent took part in the procession with other colonial and Imperial troops, a party of Maoris and a band of NewZealand pipers being distinctly two of the greatest attractions for the enormous crowds that lined the streets. The Sew Zealand Premier, the llight Hon. R. J. Seddon, and also the Hon. Jas. Carroll, Native Minister, were present at all the functions. The Premier made several speeches, in which he did not apparently hold out much hope of New Zealand joining the federation, and he was the recipient of a handsome testimonial, presented on behalf of former :esidents of this colony now residing on the other side of the Ttisman Sea. A good deal of interest was taken in the New Zealand^ Contingent iy i.he Australian people, and the general public sentiment there was tbat New Zealand was sure to come in. In NewZealand the prevailing feeling is oneof apathy, although tlie recent Commonwealth celebrations have caused a flutter of interest. The Federal Commission has just commenced its labours, and is likely to be fully employed for the next two or three months. Evidence will be taken in the chief centres from commercial men and manufacturers regarding the probable effect of federation oa their business. Actuarial tables w'Jl also be prepared showing its boating upon the finances of the colony, li is probable that the sittings of v.he Commission will be open to the public, so that the fullest publicity may be given to its proceedings, and that a definite public opinion on this im-^ portant question may be developed. The Federal Commission comprises the following members: —Hon. C. C. Bowen, M.L.C., Hon. Col. Pitt, M.L.C., Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., Hon. Captain Russell, M.H.R., Hon. Major Stewart, M.H.R,, Hon. John Roberts, C.M.G., Mr W. S. Reid, late SolicitorGeneral, Mr T. W. Leys (editor "Auckland Star"), Mr Harold Beauchamp, and Mr..Charles Luke. Mr. Seddon, in an interview with reference to Fiji, said he desired that self-government should be given to Fiji in terms of tlie convention of ISSS, but had never sought its annexation by New Zealand. His opinion was that Governor O'Brien's policy had created a disturbance in the minds of the natives, and set back the matter of self-government of the islands for years, because he had given the natives to understand that the object of the white men was to take their lands from them. France, Germany and America had a naval or a military base in the Pacific. It was time the British peoplo, a.s represented by the colonists, looked after themselves, and saw that no such bases were established to their detriment. The sensation of the festive season just past was the elopement of Mr Justice Martin with Mrs Simms, the wife of a Christchurch merchant. The facts, so far as can be gathered, appear to be that Mrs Simms wrote to her husband making certain confessions as to her relations with Judge Martin, stating that they were living in Sydney, and that she had no intention of returning to her husband. Judge Martin wrote to his solicitors in Christchurch, also admitting the fact, and announced his intention of not coming back to the colony. Tbe resignation

!of his position as a judge of the | Supreme Court has been received by | tlie Government and accepted. The affair caused a most painful sensation i throughout the colony. A great many j people absolutely declined to believe thai a man of .Judge Martin's abilities, who had risen to the height- of his ambition, could possibly have committed such folly. It is understood that proceedings for divorce will at once be instituted by the husband, and that they will not be opposed. The Union Steamship Company have, purohased an interest in the Vancouver service, having acquired from the New Zealand Shipping Company the steamer '\Varrimoo. Probably the Union Company will put the Moana on the line, the idea being to have a three-weekly instead of a fourweekly service, as at present. With the Aorangi and Miowera, there will be four steamers in the service. The arrangement is to remain in force until the expiry of the present contract with the New South Wales, Queensland and Canadian Governments in 1903. During the past few days several prominent citizens 'have passed away. Captain Alexander MacGregor, steamboat owner, passed away on January 11, and on the same day Mr. David Nolan, best known in connection with Ihe firm of Hunter & Nolan, died at the age of 70. On the 16th inst. Mr. John Abbott, well known on account of the help he gave in founding the Blind institute here, passed over lo the great majority, and next day the list of obituaries included the name of the well-known barrister and solicitor, Mr. Edmund A. Mackechnie. The large block of mercantile buildings at the corner of Customs and Commerce Streets was, on Sunday, January 13th, the scene of one of the most destructive tires ever known in this city. In a few hours something like £95,000 worth of property had literally gone up in smoke. The lire appears to have started in Messrs Bond and Bell's premises in Commerce street, from which it spread on the right hand to Messrs T. Macky and Co.'s, and on the left to Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co.'s large bonded stores, which occupied the corner site. From there it spread to Messrs G. W. Owen and Co.'s store, facing Customs-street. These three buildings were completely ruined; others, including Macky and Co.'s, and VV. S. Laurie and Co.'s, in Customs-street, were more or less damaged. Most of the loss was covered by insurance, but Messrs L. I). Nathan and Co. estimate their loss above the insurance at about £10,000. Insurance companies give the following as their nett losses: —Norwich In ion £10,000, New Zealand £5500, Phoenix £5350, National £4600, Commercial Union £.1250, Liverpool. London and Globe £3000. Northern Assurance £2200, Australian Alliance £2370, South British £2700, Victoria, Imperial, Manchester, North British, Mercantile, North Queensland, Royal Exchange, Sun. Law, Union and Crown, each £2000: London and Lancashire £1500. Madgeburg £1000. The Standard and Alliance, it is understood, also have small losses. The Guardian. Royal, and United Companies were not affected.

The Exchange opened to good business on the 4th of January, Waihi stocks particularly being in strong favour. The proposal to issue another 10,000 Waihi shares did not seriously affect the price of that stock on the local market, the only concession offered so far being 5/ per share. The output of bullion from the Waihi mine for the year just ended was £315,145 9/5, and the grand total since 1890 now amounts to £1,510,824 3/5. out of which £628,500 has been paid in dividends. Waihi Extended shares had brisk enquiry, with sales ranging from 4/7 to 5/4, and the latest quotation was a transaction at 4/10. Other low-priced Waihi stock all had frequent sales, mostly at higher rates than those ruling a month ago. At Karangahake good progress is being made with the erection of the Talisman Consolidated Company's new battery. Free transactions have taken place in these shares, the latest quotation being 22/6, while Mew Zealand Crown shares, with over double the output of bullion, are quoted at 13/6 sales. Waitekauri shares firmed a little since last report, but recent sales were made from 33/ to 35/. The second return fromi the Barrier Reefs mine served to show still further the value of that property, as bullion worth £3910 was obtained from 12S0 tons of ore. As this company's battery did not run the full month, the return is a very satisfactory one. The Thames is at present somewhat neglected pending some arrangement being made to keep the Big Pump going. Standard stocks have had good enquiry on tlie Exchange, but values generally showed little alteration.

The annual meeting of shareholders in the New Zealand Insurance Company was held on Jan. 9. Mr J.L. Wilson. Chairman of Directors, referring to the report and balance-sheet (previously published) said the net premium income had now reached the large figure of £342,030 4/10, the profit on underwriting being £50,551 0/10. There had also been the substantial increase of £26,752 1/11 on premiums; and interests and rents have exceeded last year's return by £1400 10/1. The increase in premiums was not owing to having entered new fields, or to any special development at any particular centre, but was general, and due to the popularity of the company and the activity and watchfulness of its representatives. After : making ample provision for every known loss up to November 30th, and paying the interim dividend in July last, there was a credit balance of £72,290 4s. 6d. A dividend of 10 per cent, and a bonus of 1/ per shave were declared, absorbing- £15,000, and the balance was carried to the reserve and re-insurance accounts. Messrs Thomas Buddie and A. G. Horton, the retiring directors, were reelected unopposed, and Messrs H. Gilfillan, jun., and W. R. Holmes were re-appointed auditors. '

The total gum production for 1900 was 10.461 tons, against 11,315 tons for 1899. The returns of exports .show a marked increase in the quantity sent to America and a corresponding decrease in the export to Europe. In 1900 the export to America totalled 6551 tons, and to Europe 3551 tons, making a total export of 10,402 tons last year out of a total production of 10,461 tons. In 1899 the export to America was 5406 tons, and to Europe 5347 tons,, malting a total exported of

! 10.753 tons out of a production for that year of 11.315 tons. It v.-Ml thus be seen that the export to America increased last year by 1145 tons, while the amount seat to Europe decreased by 1400 tons. During the month some 000 tons of.gum were destroyed by tiro. Exports since last mail are: For San Francisco, per Mariposa, 4 tons; for New York, per Star of the East, 410 tons; for London, per Talune 24 tons, Antares 93 tons, Fifeshire 38 tons, and Eiingamite 7 tons. Total, 600 tons. Supplies from mail to mail, 354 tons. The market continues dull, and prices are merely nominal. The export of gold for the colony for the month of December amounted to 34,0080/.s, valued at £130,738. The total export of gold for the year .1900 was 371,9930z5, valued at £1,432,953, as compared with 389,585 ounces, valued at £1,513,272 for 1899. The amount of silver exported from the colony during December last was 32,7320z5,' valued at £3835, as compared with 31,9680z5, valued at £3768, for the corresponding period of the previous year. => The return of the quantity and value of certain exports from the colony in December, 1900, contains the following figures relating to Auckland:—Butter, 4522 cwt (value £18.859). Cheese 700 cwt (value £1519). Frozen beef, 4212 cwt (value £4914). Mutton, frozen, £27. Lamb, frozen, £98. There was a large attendance at the second wool sale on Jan. 15, held under the auspices of the Auckland Woolbrokers' Association. Bidding was spirited, more disposition being evinced on tlie part of buyers to purchase better class lines of wool. Although prices did not show- improvement generally speaking, as compared with rates ruling- at the opening- sale, still there was a distinctly better feelino-. It is gratifying as evidencing the prosperity of Auckland to find that the income of the harbour for the past year shows a net increase of £4676 18/7, more especially as this is an unprecedented thing in tlie history ot Hie Board. Receipts dor 1900 were -t.'51,155 15/11, exclusive of refunds, as compared with £46,089 16/3 for 1899, an- increase of £5095 19/8. The income for 1900, exclusive of refunds and interest, amounted to £50,711 6/4, as compared with £46,034 7/9 for 1899, thus giving a net increase of £4676 IS/7. The principal increases were: — Rents £193 1/2, goods imported £2127 7/1, goods exported £275 17/7, from Calliope Dock - £583 14/3, Auckland Dock £217 5/9, pilotage £303 17/1, and port charges £338 0/1. The final selection from the list originally proposed from which the , members of the Midland Railway Commission was to be constituted has been made by the Cabinet, and Comprises Mr A. Morrison, M.H.R., Mr R. MeKenzie, M.H.R., Mr Napier Bell, Civil Engnieer, Mr Back, Engineer of Tasmanian Railways, and Mr C. Hudson, Assistant Manager of New Zealand Railways, Mr James McGuire, who received injuries through a fall from a horse at Tereranga three weeks ago, died in the Coromandel Hospital. The Northern Maori election, rendered necessary by the bankruptcy of Mr Hone Heke. resulted in his reelection by a very large majority. John Darroch. hailing from Waipu, was drowned at Rotorua on December 31 whist bathing in the lobster swim.