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Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 15, 18 January 1901, Page 4

' The total births in, the four principal boroughs, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, in December, ttmounted to 402, against 40J3 in November, a decrease of four. The deaths in December were 148, a decrease of 21 on the number iv November. Of the total deaths, males contributed 6i), females 79. Forty-two of tlie deaths were of children-under five years of ago, being 28.38 per cent, of 'tlie whole "number, 08 of these were under one year' of age. Auckland returns were* 76 births, 30 deaths-— Birkenhead 7 births, Devonport S births, Newmarket 5 birlhs 1 death, Grey Lynn 6 births. Parnell 7 births 4 deaths, Wellington 82 births 22 deaths, Christchurch 36 births J.C deaths, Dunedin 4o births 14 deaths, Thames 12 births 3 deaths.

The British India Steam Navigation Company have secured the contract for the transport of coolies between Calcutta, and Fiji during the present year. Three steamers will be employed to do this work, leaving Calcutta for Fiji on February 20, April 5 and May 15 respectively. As opportunities of steam freight between Calcutta and Fiji do not offer frequently, no dotibt those interested in the trade will be glad of the opportunities thus afforded of doing business direct between the two ports. The Union Steamship Company are the New Zealand agents for the British-India line.

At a meeting of the Works and Tariff Committee" of the Harbour Board held yesterday the question of sheer leg's at the Calliope Dock was considered, and a report from Mr Metcalfe on the subject was received. It was decided to recommend that a copy of Mr Metcalfe's plan and report be forwarded to the Admiralty, directing their attention to the alteration of the site necessitated by the great depth of rock in the position originally proposed, and that the Admiralty be requested to consent to the erection of the sheer legs and construction of deep water berth in the new position indicated; and also readjustment of their annual contribution on the basis of actual cost of the works.

A somewhat belated piece of news respecting the success of an Aucklander at the Christchurch Exhibition is to hand. Mr William Andrews, who was formerly in the employ of the New Zealand Timber Company, and subsequently displayed his mechanical genius by putting together HIQ Maori canoe in the Museum, was, it seems, a very successful competitor at the Exhibition. He entered seven pieces of carving, and was awarded no less than live prizes, including one gold and two silver medals. Mr Andrews is now resident at Wanganui.

The action of the Manukau Water j Supply Board, is notifying the Onehunga Borough Council of their intention to enter Onehunga, for a water supply, nnd to break up their streets, I has caused some excitement in the marine suburb. A special meeting of the Council was held last night, a report of which appears in another column. In answer to eontinuaJ inquiries for the Christmas number of the "Graphic," the publishers wish to state again that the linal edition of the popular annual was exhausted some time ago, the sale this year having exceeded all previous records. No copies of the number therefore can bo had. Arrangements have been made, however, for printing a special edition of the coloured presentation plate "The Native Birds of New Zealand," which was one of the most attractive features of the Christmas "Graphic," and these pictures will be sold for sixpence each to any person who purchases a copy of the weekly issue of the "Graphic." Those desirous of securing a copy of a picture that is now famous should take early advantage of this offer, and make application at the "Star" office, booksellers, or "Star" agents in town and country.

Attention is called to the sale of farms at Manurewa by Mr. R. C. Carr on Friday next. Intending buyers will only have the ensuing week to inspect.

The Thames Oddfellows are holding a monster sports at Parawai, Thames, on January 29th. The p.s. Terranora will ' leave Auckland for Thames^ at C.45 a.m. on the 29th, returning at midnight.

Captain Edwin advised for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day: "North to east and southeast gale, glass further fall, heavy rain, heavy sea, very high tides." The Postal authorities yesterday placed a letter-box in Mr Henderson's store at. Melrose, Devonport, and granted a license to sell stamps. There are to be tlrree clearances daily. This will confer a great boon in that thicklT populated portion of the Borough. V

The Premier Picnic Committee have their arrangements well in hand for their annual fete, which is to be held at Motutapu on Saturday, February 23rd, and which promises to be as successful as usual.

Tenders for the right to dig for kiauri gum on the Hopu Hopu Estate, Taupiri, will be received by Mr W. S. Cochrane, at the Trust Board, up tiU noon to-morrow (Saturday).

Benton's annual summer sale commences to-morrow morning, Saturday, January 19, at Karangahape Road—(Ad.) '

Exceptional bargains in ladies' umbrellas, 3/6 for 1/11, 4/11 for 2/11, 7/6 for 4/6 up; shot silk sunshadesy 2/6, 2/11, 3/6, 3/11, up; white,do., 1/11 up, at McCullagh and Gower's great sale.—(Ad.)

For the Boys—Great variety in boys' clothing at Geo. Fowlds'. Khaki suits from 6/11, blouses from 1/11, pretty collars from 1/6, knickers from 1/9.

Gentlemen are invited to inspect our new boot department, entrance through clothing and mercery door. —Smith and Caughey.—(Ad.)

The premises of the D.S.C. will be closed from Friday until Monday, in order to prepare for their annual sale. Doors open at 10 o'clock sharp. The public may expect some wonderful bargains in drapery and furniture. —(Ad.)

T. Jones draws special attention to the fact that he intends to kjeep his great sale booming by bringing forward each day still more striking and convincing bargains. His splendid stock of ladies' sample underclothing at English cost price is being cleared out rapidly. Ladies should inspect these early to avoid disappointment. -(Ad.)