Evening Post. SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1892. NATIVE LAND BUYING.

Evening Post, Volume XLIV, Issue 44, 20 August 1892, Page 2

Evening Post. SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1892. NATIVE LAND BUYING.

The Nativo Land Purchases Bill mot with a generally favourable reception last night. Tho Nativo Minister was, of conrso, compelled to admit that it is a borrowing Bill. Everyone "spotted" tho nature of the proposal it embodies wheu it was outlined in thf Y\ lr.ncial Statement. It is ono of tho borro vmj Bills illustrating tho nonborroiviug and self-reliant polioy of the Ministry. Under an alias the Bill would be objectionablo, as being part of a policy of decoption, but openly announced in its true character, it deserves a cordial welcomo on tho score of principle Tho groatost object tion to it was urged by sevoral members, that it does not go far enongh. Thero is no doubt that it is desirable, and even nocessary, that tho Government should be in a position to make large and continuous purchasps of nativo land. It is the only way by which a great portion of tho North Island can possibly be opened up for settlement. Tho acquisition of nativo land along the lino of Trunk Railway is a nocessary preliminary to the construction of tho railway. Clearly the Government cannot provide funds for nativo land purchase out of revenue, howover profitable tho purchases may promise to bo. Nor is it desirable that a direct loan should bo raised wherewith to purchase land, if tho land can be purchased by debentures. In buying with borrowed money there is always a leakage, in which a considerable percentage of tho capital disappoars, without any land or value being obtained to reprosent it. It is also undosirablo to placo largo suras of money at the uncontrolled disposal of the natives who part with thoir land. Such sums ore too likely to bo squandered, leaving the sellers laudloss and penniless, to becoino dependent on State support. If the land they do not want and cannot profitably uso can bo purchased from thorn by Government debentures, tho iutorest ou which will provide an income to live on, the transaction will be an exceedingly advautapeousono both to the colony and tho natives. _ But the debentures ought not to be too easily negotiable, and tho proposal to make them for small amounts, so that thoy would practically form a kind of currency and pas 3 almost as bank-notes, is decidedly objectionable. Debentures of this kind would speedily pass into tho hands of the pnblican and tho storekeeper, and the natives would derive little benefit from cither interest or principal. The debontnros given for land should provide permanent and assured income in the way of interest for the natives parting with their land. The Bill requires to be amended in this direction. The land debentures must not be made as negotiable or transferable as if they woro bank notes or sovereigns. The annual fum proposed to be spont in land purchases h altogether too small. At least .£IOO,OOO a year for the next live years could bo profitably exponded in the manner proposed. Wo can sco no use in requiring a specific annual appropriation of the monoy proposed to be authorised by the Bill. Indeed, the necessity for any such appropriation might seriously hamper negotiations and transactions in acquiring the land. Qnito a sufficient safeguard over the expenditure will be provided by requiring it to be limited to an annual maximum, and a detailed account of each year's expenditure to bo laid before Parliament before further liabilities aro incurred. Mr. Cadman's Bill can be made a vory useful and beneficial measure. AMEXDING THE ELECTOEAI LAW. A decided step in the right direction has been made in Committee on the Electoral Bill by shortening tho period within which writs are to run, whether on tho occasion of a dissolution or at by-elections. In the days when communication between various parts of the colony was difficult and irregular, it was necessary to give writs a prolonged currency, and to provide for oxtendod notices of_ an election, in order that ample time might bo given to all concerned, but now that we have a complete system of regular communication by steamboat or rail from ono end of the colony to the other, newspapers circulating rapidly through every electoral district, and tho telegraph wires everywhere, it is quite unnecessary to prolong election agonies. The sooner elections are got through, the better for all parties. To candidates every day involves heavy additional expense, and the strain of long delay is severely felt by every one concerned in an election. Tho notices now provided for are much shorter than those hitherto required, but will give ample time for all that i 3 nccosaary to be done. The absurd proposal to mako the day of general olection a public holiday was also, wo are glad to see, struck out last night. It would have boon very objectionablo to have pro. vided for anything of tho sort. "Why shearers, seamen, and commercial travellers should have exceptional advantages for exercising the franchiso, doniod to other classes who may be absent from their homes when an election takes place, we cannot seo. All electors should be placed on an equality in regard to facilities for recording their votes. It is to be regretted that the majority last ; night dissented from this proposition. Yesterday's proceedings in tho House of Representatives were enlivened by a scene in which Mr. George Hutchison came into collision with the Chairman of Committees, and was reported to tbo Speaker as beindisorderly. A sketch of the discussion, together witli our general Parliamentary report, a. letter to the Editor, and the vital statistics for July, will bo fonnd on the [onrth page.

Our review of " Tho Life and Times of Sir George Grey," by Mr. and Miss Rees, appears in the supplement to this issue. From the vital statistics for July, published on our back pr^e to-day, it will bo seen that the death rate in Wellington, 0-93, was lower than in that of any of the chief cities, Auckland being l"08, Christchurch 166, and Dunedin 1-07. In Christchurch the deaths, 27, largely outnumbered the births, 17. His Excellency Lord Glasgow had better at onco pack up his belongings and take passage Home again. The Ministerial organ in Napier says that " the Governor may as well learn now as at any other time, that this country will not consent to be governed by a Tory representative of the Crown, sent here for the express purpose, as the Hon. Mr. Scotland pointed out, of keeping one. side of politics only represented in the Upper House." As tho steamer Arawa, whioh arrived at Hobart yesterday afternoon from London, was to have left for Wellington at 11 a.m. to-day, she should reach this port on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Ballanco's paper, the Wanganui Herald, says in regard to Sir George Grey's proposed amendment on the Land Tax Bill, that " ho either knows what ho is doing or is ignorant of the whole question of land taxation," and it refers to " the disastrous results of his having onco essayed the role of Colonial Treasurer." The Herald accuses him of giving his notice of motion '" with a view to causing a split in the Liberal camp, where he still has a few followers," and it says — " He has assumed a responsibility in this matter of the gravest nature, and will imperil his hold upon the esteem and respect of a large number of those who have hitherto given him credit for purely patriotic feelings, if he acts the part of a mischievons meddler because he cannot have things all his own way. ... Ho cannot be the leader of it (tho Liberal Party) again for various reasons, and should have more selfrespect than to display a childish animosity to hi 3 Buccossor's polioy, which has found such widespread acceptance throughout the country." The request made by tho Government that the mercantile community should guarantee a portion of the loss likely to arise from the adoption of tho reduced rate of cable charges, was further considered at a meeting held at tho Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon. The_ meeting was by no moans a representative ono, not moro than 11 business men being present. After some discussion, the following resolution was proposod :— " That this meoting, while not admitting the principle of asking ono section of tho commnnity to tax itself for the benefit of tho whole, recognises that the proposed reduction in tho cable charges will moro directly benefit the mercantile class, and, with tho view of assisting the Hon. the Post-master-Gonoral in carrying through his proposals, agrees to assist in the guarantee asked for by him." An amendment was moved, to the following effect:— " While not expressing an approval of tho principle of tho guarantee as proposed, and as it is not in tho power of this meeting to plodgo the community, tho mooting snggests that a direct application bo made by the Government to the principal local users of tho cable." On being put to tho vote, tho amendment was carried by a fair majority. Telegrams from the Dunedin, Auckland, and Christchurch Chambers of Commerce, oppressing their willingness to contributo towards the guarantee, wero read at the mooting. Several of those present announced thoir intention of subscribing privately. All the necessary arrangomonts for tho presentation of tho illuminated address to Sir George Gray, at the Skating Rink, on Monday evening, are now complete. Holders of tickets aro notified in anothor column that tho doors will bo open for their admission at 7.30, and for the general public at a quarter to 8, frco. As Archbishop Redwood cannot return from Nelson in time to open the new organ at St. Mary of the Angels' Church to-morrow, as tyas intended, the ceremony iB postponod until Sunday the 28th inst. Mr. Daniel Dealy, licensee of tho Railway Hotel, Thorndon-quay, died at his residence this morning, after an illness of loss than four days. The immediate cause of death is understood to have been heart disease, but Mr. Dealy had boon in bed sinco Wednesday last, suffering from a chill caught at Te Pone's funeral on Tuesday. Mr. Doaly, who was very gonorally esteomed on account of his uprightness and generosity, was 36 years of age, and unmarried. Ho was a nativo of Bantry, County Cork, and had boon in tho colony somo 18 years. For a number of years ho served as a wardor under the Prisons' Dcpartmont. The Commissioner of Taxes has received a remittance of £27 10a Gd, forwarded anonymously, by an owner who had, in consequence of an oversight, omitted to pay his tnll contribution to the Property Tax. Wo havo to thank Messrs. Upton & Co., booksellers, Auckland, for a copy of Rider Haggard's late work " Nada, the' Lily." It forma tho first volume of Longmans' Colonial and Indian Library— a cheap but well gotup series of oxponsivo copyright works, intendod to bring them within reach of colonial readers. That such a firm as Longmans, Groon & Co. should thus commenco to cator for colonial readers is a gratifying fact, and tho new series will donbtle3s command an extensive circulation, especially if all tho works comprised in it aro of as'intorcßting a character as " Nada." Many of our roadors who havo spont thoir suminor holidays in Pelorus Sound will be interested to learn that Mr. Thomas Mills, ono of tho most popular settlors in that part of the colony, has sold his woll-known proporty, "Holmwood," to Messrs. Bonos Bros., of Canterbury, at a satisfactory figure. Tho new owners intend to go iv extensively for sheep-farming. Mr. J. H. Motcalfe, formerly second officer of the s.s. Tainui, is now chief officer of the s.s. Rnngatira. A mooting of tho Committeo of tho Harmonic Society was hold yesterday. Pre>ent— Mesors. C. Rous-Marten (in the chair), A. Gray, R. Parker, J. G. Ploldsworth, J. E. Page, and K. P. Mountfort (Hon. Sec.) It was decided thab the noxt concert should be given on Friday, 14th October, in tho Opera House, a public rehearsal being hold on the proviona evening, the programme to compriso "St John's Eve" (Cowen), "Blost Pair of Sirens" (Parry), and " A Calm Soa " (Beethoven) ; and that tiio following singors be requested to nndortako tho solo parts in " St. John's Evo"— Miss Stanford (soprano), Mrs. Webb (contralto) Mr. E. J. Hill (tonor). and Mr. Young (bass). Those of our readers who remember tho former deputations of tho London Missionary Society to Now Zealand in the persons of Captain Hoarc, Rev. Jos. King, and Rev. J. Chalmers, will learn with pleasuro that the Rev. W. G. Lawes, missionary, of Now Guinea, will shortly arrive in the colony to visit tho auxiliaries of tho Society in tho various centres. Mr. E. W. Smyth, tho local secrotary, has recoived intimatioD that Mr. Lawos expects to arrive in Dunedin on sth October, and will visit in turn Oamaru, Christchurch, Wellington, Napior, Nelson, and Auckland. Tho visit altogether will occupy five weeks. Information concerning Mr. Lawes' Wellington mission will be duly given by advertisement. Tho recommendations of tho Public Works Committee of tho Melroso Borough Council for consideration at tho ordinary mooting of the Council on Tuesday evening, aro us follows :— That permission be given to J. Daly to remove a portion of the rock from the Esplanade at Island Bay, subject to tho approval of the Inspector of Works ; that somo repairs bo effected to the Wellington road. Kilbirnio ; that a slip bo removed from the cutting at Dorwent-street, Island Bay • that tho approach to a section at Brooklyn' asked for by Mr. Odlin, be formed ; that tho fonco lino fronting the West Beach Estate at Island Bay bo defined ; that accounts amounting to .£29 11s 9d be passed for payment. A private letter from Sydnoy states that Sullivan intends competing in tho sculling racos promoted by tho Parramatta River Steamers and Tramway Company, and is confident of success. The erstwhile Wellington Fcullor is thinking of soing to Chicago, and competing for the valuablo prizes which arc to be offored for sculHn"races during tho Exhibition season. " A special meeting of the Petono Borou"h Council was held last evening. Present^— Councillors Burnley, P. C. Smith, J. Smith, Gsiynor, Jackson, Austin, and Hcury. In tho absenco of the Mayor, who was unable to attend owing to sickness in his family Councillor Henry was voted to the chair. A letter was read from the Town Clerk, Wellington, stating tho terms on which tho firo engine would bo lent to the local Firo Brigade for another 12 months. Capt. Austin was present on behalf of tho Brigade On tho motion of Councillor P. 0. Smith, a committee, consisting of tho Mayor, Councillors J. Smith, Burnley, and tho mover -was appointed to confer with tho Fire Brigade, and to bring up a report on the subject. Mr. W. H. Ballinger waited on the Council with reference to his application for a road in connection with his property at the back of the school. On the motion of Councillor J. Smith, it was resolved that Mr. Ballinger's phn, as amonded, bo agreed to, provided ho offers section 10 to tho Education Board. A letter from the Secretary of tho Gear Company stated that the communication from the Wellington Harbour Board with roference to the wharf would be considered at the next meeting of the directors, and the result would be notified to the Council. Tho Engineer was instructed to report as to the quality of stone at a quarry under offer to the Council. The remainder of tho business -was transacted in committeo. Tho entertainment in connection with the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society last evening was a very successful affair. Two descriptive lecturettes— one entitled "The Lowlands of Scotland," and the other '• Glasgow and Doon the Water "—were given by Mr. A. S. Paterson, who dealt with the subjects in a masterly manner. Excellent lantern views woro shown by Mr. Helliwell, and were highly appreciated. Choice selections were given by nn orchestra under Mr. C. Kintf, and songs wero well rendered by Misses Greig, Steel, and Drninmond. and Mr. G. Wilson. Tho Rev. J. J. Lewis, President of tho Society, was in tho chair. In connection wi'.h tho women's classes for First Aid to the Injured, it is notified that examinations will be held on the 24th and 26th instant, and that books may now be obtained from the Treasurer, MiEs Adams. The Treasurer of the Boys' Institute acknowledges receipt of the following donations :— Surplus from Elfin Return Ball, per Messrs. S. Myers and S. Kirkcaldie, .£3 3s 6d; Captain Robb, ijl ; R.M.H.,.£1: W.H. Field, 10s 6d ; also shilling lists from employe's of Mr. W. Wiggins, 15s ; and Meat Export Co.'s office staff, 10s. Tho orly case bofore ii>e Mp/jhtrato'* Comt to-Jiiy v,m^ one in -which an old olim Y>i uunel I/i'-y Lc.il v.v pleai'M tinilTT to tte hueimy nl n book, \aluyd at os, iroiii Flockion & Co.'s variety store. She was sent to gaol for one month, with hard labour. The presiding Magistrates were Meesr«. A Young and J. Collins.

Shotilv before the Rangatira arrived at Port Chalmers from London, a fireman named William Turk died of heart disease and dropsy, and was buried at sea. Turk, j who was apparently vory ill from tho start of the voyage, has no relations in tho colony. A largely-signed requisition has been presented to Councillor George Anderson, the retiring member of the City Council for T horndon, expressing approval of his past actions, and offering to endeavour to secure his re-election. Mr. Anderson notifies elsewhero that ho consents to stand again for the seat. Last evening, at about 9.30, a man named Robert Chirnside died somewhat suddenly at his residence, Courtonay-plaee. Deceased had been addicted to drink for some time, and a prohibition order had been in force against him, bnt apparently without . avail, as he has recently been suffering acutely from delirium tremens, for which he had been attended by Drs Fell and Mackin. He had jnst taken an opiate last night when he expired. An inquest is not considered necessary. The Te Aro Dispensary, Mannera-street, has been gazetted a public vaccination station. Advice has been received from Home that the Now Zealand Shipping Company has purchased a new steamer. She is a cargo boat, similar in plan to tho s.s. Tekoa, already owned by the company, but her carrying capacity is GOO tons larger. She will leave London for New Zealand in November. Deacon and Co. report having received a telegram from Reefton, showing tho following returns : — Globe, 138oz amalgam from 185 tons ; No. 2 Dark, 960z amalgam from 64 tons. Councillor Tatuin, whose short term of office expires next month, announces himself as a candidate for re-election as a Councillor for Cook Ward. The Karori Chess Club are meeting for play every Wednesday evening at 7.30, in addition to Satnrday evening, at the Karori Schoolhonse. They are now practicing the Rny Lopez opening. Mr. A. E. Waterson, of Karori, has offored to give a special prize of a hive of bees for the best exhibit of strawberries at the Spring Show of the Horticultural and Florists' Society in November next. The hive is to bo a Langstroth. In addition to tho Epecial prizo of 53 (Mr. A. P. Stuart's) for the best exhibit of fruit at the Autumn Show, tho Horticultural Society aro offering a special prizo for " tho best case or box of applos packed in a manner suitable for oxport." This they are doing in order to encourage the industry. The tenth anniversary of the Loyal Petone Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was celebrated last evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, tho affair taking tho form of a smoko concert. About sixty sat down to a capital sproad. Tho chair was occupied by D.P.G.M. Bro. S. R. Johnson, and tho vice-chair by P.G. Bro. C. W. Johnston. The usual toasts were givon and responded to, aud a programme of songs, &c, was contributed by Messrs. Donovan, Haggar, Wright, Leadbeater, Hamilton, Battersby, Hall, Clarko, Johnston, and others. Mr. R. Wheatlcy prosided at tho piano. A most cnjoyablo evening was spent, and tho proceedings wero brought to a close shortly after 11 o'clock. Tho arrangements rtero carried ont by a committee consisting of Bro. K. Wobb, P.S. ; Bro. W. Mills, N.G. ; Bro. T. Webb, V.G. ; Bro. Groig, E.S. ; Bros. Ibill and Hordman. Tho employes ot Mossrs. Stewart & Co. held thoir fourth annual concert and ball at tho Foresters' Hall last evening, a large number being present, amongst whom wero several employors of labour in the city. Tho hall and entrances were nicely decorated with bnnting and evergreens. Tho concert programmo was an oxcellont ono. and was highly appreciated. Songs wore contributed by Llissos Unvin, Curtice, Birch, . Mrs. Frew, aud Messrs. Frow, R. P. Johnson, Roo, and W. D. Lyon, and recitations by W. Haybittlo and A. Ballingall, whilo Mossrs. Hodge and Dean contributed several instrumental items. Tho comic song 3of Mr. Lyon woro encored. At tho closo of tho concort dancing was indulged in, to music supplied by Messrs. Hodge and Dean. Mr. F. W. Colo acted as MC. Tho catering was carried out by Mr. Mawson. Tho committeo of management consisted of Mossrs. J. Hutchen (Chairman), F. W. Cole (Secretary), Howlett, Frew, Mowbray, Hearn, Bennott, and W. D. Lyon. Davys' Bright Lights appear again at the Exchange Hall to-night, when a lively programme, introducing the latest songs from tho London concert halls, will bo produced. Tho full programme of Mr. R. Parker's concort appears to-day, and is of tho highest interest to musicians, while all tho items which it contains arc also of a most popular character. Beothovou's dolightful Pastoral Symphony will bo played for tho firat time in its entirety, and cannot fail to bo hoard with ploasuro even by thoso to whom such works aro usually tedious. ' Anothor special feature of tho performance will bo Felicion David's groat work for men's voices and orchestra, "Tho Desort," which describes in the most picturesque manner a caravan in various situations— singing a hymn of devotion to Allah, battling with tho simoon, and resting iv tho ovoning by tho fountain in the oasis. Tho members of the Liedertafel havo worked at tho music with enthusiasm, and their rehearsal with orchestra gave promiso of a splendid performance. Mr. E. J. Hill will sing tho incidental tenor SOIO3. Othor item« of intorost will also bo found in tho programme in our advertising columns The Committeo and workers of tho Gospel Temperance Mission to be conducted by Mr. E. Tennyson Smith, met last evoning to arrange the final dotails. Iv spito of the bad weather tho attendance was good. Mr. Copithorne was unanimously elected Chairman of tho Hall Committeo. Tho Ladies" Pledge Committeo reported that all arrangements wero complete for pledge-taking and pinning on tho bluo ribbon. Mr. F. H. Fraser, President of the Committeo, reEorted that tho following gentlemen had inrlly con&onted to preside at the meetings : — Dr. Newman, and Messrs. J. W. Kolly, W. M'Lean, and J. Dnthio, M.H.R.'s, his Worship tho Mayor, Messrs. J. Young, C. M. Luko, J. W. Poynton, J. G. W. Aitkcn, and Councillor Smith. Mr. Tennyson Smith will delivor Dr. Talmago's famous Temperance discourso, entitled " The Archfiond of tho Nations," in the Opera House tomorrow evoning. In order not to clash with tho oveninjr eervicos, tho meeting will not commence until 8.15. According to the Rangitikei Advocate, the barque Weathorsfiold, stranded near Otaki some four years ago, lias now shifted about 90 feot seaward, and the probabilities of her successful launching are co groat that Mr. Joseph Saundors, her owner, has had her painted and made ready for sea. A large mushroom anchor has been taken out into deep water, a powerful cngino has been pbeed in tho vessel, and at tho next spring tidos, if the conditions aro favourable, she will be hauled out. Mr. Saunders feels confidont that his venture will bo a success. On Monday, <il 2 o'clock, J. H. Bethuno & Co. will soil by pnblic auction, lit their rooms, Fea-tbeivston-streot, a splendid collection of locuJytrrown flowering plants, bulbs, /orcsfc and fruit trees, from Mr. F Cooper's celebrated Hijou Nursery, Alieotown, Lower Hutt. The catalogue contains 208 lots, including the choicest roses, iienths, borouias, rhododendrons, magnolias, nmnrvllis, pcoomn, hedno and shelter plants, ornamental couifeiro, and selected apple trees, plums, peaches, &c. Tho plants beiue; acclimatised, and of the best description, tho solo should attract a lni'BC atteniianco of buyers. Cuas. Hill & Sous, bat aud cap lnauufnctiuevs, liosiere, and glovers, Lambton-quiy, in their now ndvci'ii'semeuc orer the lender, uotify llie cxpscted amval, por Arawa, of a smnll but choice shipment of gOjds from Messrs. Welcb, Marketsou A Co., comprising «iany novelties ; also a consignment of the celebrated cool sorinsj hnts by tho Euahine. The goods will be on Tiow about Btouday or Tuesday. T. Kennedy Mucdonnld & Co. (Limited) announce a great sale of high-class English furniture, to be bold at their rooms, Pftnama-Btreot, on Thursday next, the I^th instant, commencing at 2 o'clock. It will be seen from the advertisement that tbo goods will be on now on Tuesday and WednoKdny evemngs. Miss Medley's second anuual conceit will take place on tho 15th Septomber. The Hey. J. Crewes lecturos on phrenology and re^ds heads nt Petone next week. Mr. Stewart s;ng-s a long, to bo illustrated with lantern yioitb. An advertisement appears elsewhere. The (Jamsi-in B.iud will play on the Thorndou Hsplamde to-morrow. The programme i 3 advertised. The older of services at St. Potei's Church for to-morrow is advertised. At the Wesleyan Churches to-nion'ow, the sevrices Tnll bo conducted as follow : Wesley Church, Taranaki-street, 11 n.ni., Her. J. G. Chapman j G. 30 p.m.. Rev. "\V. Morloy. Molesworth-street, 11 a.m., Rev. W. Morley; 6.30 pin., Her. J. J. Lewis, Newtown, 11 a.m., and 0.30 p.m., Rev. W. H. Beck. At the Primitive Methodist Churches to-morr-ow the services will be conducted as follow :— Sydney-street, morning, Eev. AY. J. Dean ; evening, Mr. John Loinas>. Webb-street, inoruiag, Mr. Tennyson Smith, the Temperance advocate; evening, Rev. AY. C. Wood. Hewtown, morning, Rev. AY. C. AVood ; evening, Mr. John Clement. Special Gospel services during the week at STtlncystreet. At the Terrace Congregational Church to-mor-row. the services will be conducted by the Rev. G. J. Allen. The Rev. AY. IVwcll will conduct the lei-rices at the Conrteu.iy-iil.ice Congregational Church toniurrow. A very attractive programme is advertised for the P.S.A. in tho Courtenny-place Congregational Church to-morrow, at 3 p.m. The Rev. Mr. Ogg will deliver his second lecture on social subjects to-morrow, at St. Andrew's •Jhurch. At the United Methodist Church, Courtoimyplace, to-morrow, the services will be conducted by the Rev. A. Peters. At the Wellington Baptist Church, Vivian, street, to-morrow, the scmces will be conducted by the Rev. C. Dallastoii. At the To Aro Hall, Dixon-street, to-morrow, at 7 p.m., a Gospel address will bo given. There will also be a prayer meeting at 7.30 a.m. Bethel service will be conducted at 11 o'clock to-morrow by Mr. J). Hall, missionary, iv the Chamber of Commerce. Sailors are especially invited. At the meeting of the Freethought Association, to-moirow night, a member will lecture on "A Free People." This week's sale contains some bargains of a very extraordinary character, and wo may say that for superb qualities nothing like our coloured watered silks have ever been seen bofore in this city.' The prices, too, are so very much below their usual value that it will surprise us if they are not at once secured by eager customers, at Te Aro House. "Fit for an Empress" and "Fit for a Duches3 " are terms that wA justly apply to somo very beautiful, ertr* quality pure Bilks, in grey and black and white (stripes. Our readers should carefully con our announcement of these on thrf next page, and we are quite sure they ndll endorse our judgment of these handsome silks by purchasing them straightway Muring this week'B salo, at To Aro House. "I i Or handsome real Irisl/pcpliu <Ww-, v.» navp nu!y tv. o, in vul in r r-i uud L.u-j &i:-ipua. Lnalirns tho iiiiui-v 01 purchasing these at lets than half-price, vis., £1 18s 6d for threefeuineas, at TeJAro Honse, during this weekv sale. There are marvels ofwheapness all [ovor

the warehouse. Road our advertisement t on the first page and ovor tho leader, and " see the bargains for yourselves during this week's solo, at Te Aro House. — Advt. , A new style of Boxing Glovo is now being fclio-rn in tho Manners-street window of Messrs. Wilkins & Field's establishment. , It is called the " Pelican," after the celebrated Club of that name, and should be a g»eat improvement on tho old style. Tho whole hand is thrust into tho glove, and there is a flexible bar to grasp. This does away with the division between tho thumb ' and fingers, and the attendant liability to ' scratch. It is well made, evenly padded, covered with soft tanned leather, and well j finishod. Wo commend them to the notice of all interested in the " Noble Art."— Advt. The greatest honour that can be conferred i on an English merchant is to bo appointedpurveyor to the House of Commons, and only those obtain this distinction whoso goods are found to bo superior to those of other firms. The proprietors of Bnchauan's famed "House of Commons Whisky " gained for their brand this high honour— a fact which New Zcalanders would do well to ponder over, and, instead of carelessly and indiscriminatingly drinking any fluid that may be placed before them, call for Buchanan's " House of Commons Whisky " on all occasions. — Advt. 3 For invalids and delicate children Aulsobrook's Arrowroot and Tea Biscuits aro unsurpassed. — Advt.