NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9992, 22 March 1893, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND.

fP.BE Fsasa Association.] AUCKLAND, March 21. To-night, Mr J. I). Connolly, who has resigned the position of Consul for the United States, and is to proceed to America on Saturday, was presented with an address from the Friendly Societies, in acknowledgment of .‘the interest he has taken in their wore for many years past, and the rendered them. A. man ■ name <•£■. Arthur Melville, recently ifoE Sydney, who waj caught in the act of picking' a woman's pocket at the athletic sports on Saturday, was sentenced to sis months’ hard labour. Another man named Hampton, charged with being a confederate, was dismissed. PALMERSTON NORTH, March 21. Two upstair bedrooms of the Clarendon Hotel, which changed hands this week, were discovered to he on fire at the same time this afternoon. The first, in the front part of the hotel, was evidently started underneath the bed; while the second was started between the mattress and the bedclothes. But little damage was done, as both outbreaks were noticed before getting a firm hold. It is plainly a case of incendiarism, but there is no clue to the perpetrator, WELLINGTON, March 21. The Gas Company has decided to reduce the net price of gas to 6s 8d per 1000 ft from July 1. The biennial session of the Order of Oddfellows in New Zealand, American Constitution, was opened today, representatives from all parts of the Colony being present. An address of welcome was presented to the visiting brethren. 'Die report of the Grand Master was adopted. It showed that at the close of the last term (1891) the membership was 1505, and it now stood at 1803; total funds of the Order last term, £17,442, and now £21,206, At tonight’s sitting the reports of tho Grand Secretary and Treasurer were adopted, a special vote of commendation being awarded to the former officer for his valuable work. The Finance Committee’s report was brought up and referred to' the Secretaries in general session. Amendments to the constitution were considered, and it was agreed to alter the basis of election of representatives to the general session, making the election by a bare majority instead of a majority of the whole number. Provision was also made for appointing alternative representatives. On the motion of Grand Warden Burchell, of Auckland, it was decided to sever connection with the Supreme Grand Lodge of Australasia, and to apply to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States for a Supreme Grand Charter for the Constitution. The election of officers was postponed till to-morrow, a strong wish being expressed that Bro Pigott, or Auckland, should be asked to act as Grand Warden for next year. Up to the present the number of Volunteers, including those along the West Coast and Hawke’s Bay, who have intimated their intention of attending the Easter encampment at Johnsonville ia 150. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Public Service Association was held to-night, there being a numerous attendance. Mr J. E. Fitz Gerald, the President, in the course of his address, spoke in support of the pension fund scheme, and also said that would be the last occasion on which he would address them. The report and balance-sheet worn adopted. KE G ETON, March 21, A large reel is just- reported to have been struck iu the Pro -teas mine. A crms-cut was put into the back of the winze from No. 3 to No. 4 levels, and the body of stone struck within two of driving. The stone has been broken into seventeen feet with no sign of hanging-wall yet. Gold showo throughout. The winze lately sunk must have missed the reef by a few feet only. HOKITIKA, March 31. The Westland Law Society carried a resolution, moved by Ur Guinness, M.H.R., that the Minister for Justice be asked to increase the jurisdiction of District Courts up to £500; in partnership up to £1000; and in lipecific performance to £SOO ; and that by consent of both parties the jurisdiction may ba beyond these amounts. The Humphrey’s Gully Company washed up the head boxes. No 1 string, after a run of eighty shirts, with 2510zs ISdwts 6grs, valued at .£9Bl 9s Gd. It is estimated that there are 40 or oOozs iu the lower boxes. This is the highest return yet obtained. DUNEDIN, March 13. At .a -meeting, of the Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the general opinion waa that there had been an undoubted decrease in cases of cruelty daring the past few years. Mr Justice Williams was re-elected President, and the other officers were re-elected.