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New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4045, 29 October 1874, Page 4

A number of correspondents' letters and interesting items will be found ill the sixth page. V.'e understand that Mr. Holloway's time for The examination o£ the lands of this province having expired, he is now in Auckland waiting to take passage by the first vessel offering for home. The first boat will be the City of Auckland, but as she will not be leaving for a few days, his Honor the Superintendent is endeavouring to arrange for a visit to Tauranga and tlie East Coast, so as to utilise ilr. ijoiloway's spare time.

During the jiast few days the police have been activc in making enquiries into the circumstances attending tlie late fire in Wake-tield-street. An inquest will be held at two o'clock to-day, before the coroner, at the Anchor Hotel.

The managing committee of the Agricultural Society are making preparations for the forthcoming Cattle Show, to be held at Elk-rslie, on the 9th proximo. All entries for exhibits should be made with the secretary (ilr. Taylor) to-morrow, at Mr. A. Buckland's office. The catering arrangements for the society's annual dinner, usually held after the show, kave again this year been entrusted to Mr. W. Amos Clarke, of the Army and Navy Hotel. This is the fourth year that Mr. Clarke has provided tlie dinner, a proof that he has hitharto , given satisfaction. 1

A special meeting of the Auckland Vnl teer Fire Brigade was held at the ~? n ' station last evening, at which Superint- nT"" Hughes presided. The meetim- •nt to take into consideration the ctw nman Fitzpatrick, who was Ire - Wakefield-street. The sum of £-, Wv ° Ut i,! to him by the Brigade out of the p J Fund. The following letter was th- .' fc " cr . al —'" Insurance Agents' Committee a?'} : land, October 22, 1574. Sir \\' t [. i early opportunity of testifyin" t', thi , 3 and to the office rs and mem born Fire Brigade under your comma J appreciation of the services 'l, the force in effectively stayin" Ij >' of the fire in Wakefield-street°thi«* m, and to convey this feeling in a n manner we desire to be severally eun.'ri' 1 honorary members of the Brigade.—\'y\ sir, &c., John Buchanan (c'luiiruian, 1!"/' Liverpool, London and Globe Company ; George Pierce, maimer xlw a"'" land Insurance Company; (\\- | 1 Royal Insurance Company; _-\ <;' manager National Companv ;<; \y ' M > agent Standard Companv agent Northern Company; \Y. n !. h ' agent Imperial Company; .lames ll.'i agent Norwich Union Company ; Thos'li •' derson, jun., V ictoria Company; A man, South British Companv. To Mr liVh Superintendent of Auckland VulnnFire Brigade.'' The Superintendent .tav'i that he had received from h t . i 1 penutendent S. H. Match-u/ j"- J " honorary treasurer to the l'iic liriiil"' a present in the shape of a .-.uantitv' ■) books, which would form the nucl.-.w , f ,v Fire Brigade library. It was resolved that the secretary write to M Matthews in suitable terms," aekno\vk.,lv' r " the very suitable donation. A luu'ubO candidates were proposed, and an iuvVti gating committee appointed to rc;..,rt u,", „ the applications at the next meeting '

The Resident Magistrate -it til' roli , c 9. V?" rt >' esterdri y advisability „ E establishing station-houses in the suburbs— one at Parnell, and another at Xe-wton ~<o that the time of the police should not he occupied in dragging men to the present lock-up, but that persons in custody minht be brought down to the Court in the orison van every morning. If this was done the police would be enabled to attend more thoroughly to their beats, as their time- would not bo occupied as at present in convevini men from long distances to the cennal "sta° tion-house. From a statement made by Mr. Broham, it appears that the Government i.-, paying at the- rate of 12s per week fc-i- each cottage rented for the accommodation of police stationed in the suburbs. As this amount would more than pay the interest on the sum "equired for the erection of station-houses, the matter is one well worth the consideration of the authorities.

There is on view in Mr. E. Wayte's window in Queen-street a painting representing "Bush life in New Zealand : The dinner hour." The picture, which has already attracted a great deal of attention, is from the brush of Mr. Alfred Sharpe (an artist not unknown to fame). The subject has been admirably treated, and the picture may be pronounced perfect and true to nature," both in drawing and colouring. Nearly the whole of the trees indigenous to the climate of New Zealand are to be found in the sketch, and one magnificent kauri pine stands out in the painting like a photograph. Lovers of art, the beautiful, and romantic scenery should not lose the opportunity of taking a peep at bush life in !New Zealand before the painting is taken to grace the walls of a connoisseur's gallery.

The inhabitants of-the Epsom and Newmarket districts lately arranged to present a testimonial to Mr. and Mrs. Gwynnc, v.-ho have so long occupied the Junction Hotel wiih credit to themselves and satisfaction to the whole of the neighbouring farmers. They therefore last night" developed themselves into the usual dinner party, when 2 number of the surrounding gentry met, and after the inevitable spread presented Mr. and Mrs. Gwynne with a very handsome tea and coftee service and a gold chain and locket. The chairman, Mr. Marks, then road a very flattering address, expressive of hearty goodwill towards the genial host and kindly hostess. Mr. Gwynne returned thanks in suitable terms ; and after some other toasts had been drunk, and a few speeches madi, the assembly dispersed.

The annual meeting of the shareholders ui the Qtago Gold Mining Company was held in the New Zealand Insurance Company's building yesterday afternoon. After waiting for three-quarters of an hour the attendance ot a quorum of shareholders was secured by ihe indefatigable \fforts of the legal manager. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, the report and balance-sheet were taken as read and adopted. The report stated that the working of the mine had been slow and expensive, but that the speediest and least expensive maimer of testing the ground had been adopted. The balance-sheet shewed a debit balance of £737 lis 3d. The following gentlemen were elected for the ensuiug year: Messrs. G. Williamson, H. N. Abbot, Patrick Bropliy, Geo. Hooper, and W. J. CawkweD. This concluded the business.

The usual meeting of the Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Association was held on Monday, the 26tli instant. A question as to the desirability of discontinuing the meetings of the association during the summer months, the consideration of which had been postponed from the preceding meeting, was again entered upon. It was decided to take a recess of three months, commencing December Ist, the meetings to be resumed on the first Monday in March. The remainder of the evening was occupied with readings and recitations by various members, and the proceedings came to a close about half-past nine. 111 consequence of Monday, 9th November, being a public holiday, the association's next meeting will be held on Monday, 2nd.

Amongst the splendid pianofortes at Messrs. J. Browne & Son's musical establishment, we notice a magnificent iron grand piano, by J. and J. Hopkinson, of London, fust landed per ' Zealandia.' This instrument has an overstrung bass : constructed m this wise the manufacturers are enabled to build a piano of nearly half the length of the ordinary grands, at the same time preserving the grand and fine tone of the larger instruments. We would advise our musical in ends to call and see the above instrument bc:orf it leaves Messrs. Browne's establishment.

A correspondent writing from Paparoa, Kair>;L!v., cays :—" Last week a tine lai slicej) was killed at tills settlement ; he would have done credit to any butcher's shop in Auckland, and no doubt would, have been sent to town if communication had been what it ought to be. The sheep was a three-shear wetlior of the longwool breed, lias clipped 1- lbs. or wool each year, and turned the scales at lbs. He was bred by Mr. Tibb'ts, Paparoa, and fed by Mr. Davis, of Sritohbrock Farm, I'aparoa." Two boys, whose parents have grossly neglected them, to say the least of it, were charged at the Police Court, yesterday. witlf having effected a burglarious entry to a warehouse, and were both committed to the Industral Home for a period of one year, at the e.\~pi:'ati<m of thar term they will liave attained the age of 10 years, and steps will then be taken to have them transferred to the training ship. The fourth annual meeting of the shareholders of the Imperial Crown Gold Mining Company was held yesterday afternoon, attiie office of Mr. Tothill, —F. liitaker K'stj., !I! the chair. The directors' report and L>;daneesheet were read and adopted. Messrs. L. Kussell and Colouel Haultain were ro-clectoi directors, and J. YVaymouth auditor.

The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Point Kussell Gold -Mm' u £ Company was held in Mr. Somniervule» office yesterday afternoon. The directors report and balanco-sheet were read a^ 1 adopted, and Messrs. T. Kussell and " • Wilson elected to the directory.

Some people ware rather astonished I pointed out a year or two ago how high a position a purely Australian life assurance society occupied relatively with the greatest and longest-established British companies, s'ivs a writer in a Melbourne journal. They will probably be more surprised to learn that this society—the Australian Mutual Provident—now heads the entire list in one particular. Out of 32 leading companies, but seven issued over 1000 new policies each in 1573 The Australian Mutual Provident; issued 3205, being 547 ahead of the company which licad» the list of all British life companies. In the amount assured it stands fourth, and in tlie corresponding yoaily premium it ranks second. Without any brag, this is something of wliieli Australians may justly pride themselves. For it not only reflects credit on this society's management, but shews that in the feverish rush for wealth there is a healthy under-current of prudent and kindly forethought for dependent survivors.

Where important firms have branch establishments in various parts of Melhourne, communication is frequently maintained by the electric wire. A shining light in ail important congregation was lately shewing a reverend gentleman over his warehouse. He pointed out his telegraphic arrangements, and proceeded to illustrate their ready usefulness. Having secured the attention of liis foreman at the branch warehouse, lie telegraphed, " 1 don't want anything." The signal to watch the dial came back, and the head of the firm was sorely scandalised by having to read off to his minister the somewhat undignified reply, " Then go to the devil." The foreman had, not unnaturally, imagined that some of the lads at the head olliee were playing pranks with the "Wheatstone.

Scientists, remarks the Otago Gvardian, have laid it down as a rule that in this province there can be 116 regular gold-bearing quart/, lodes. The latest answer to their theory is supplied by the last fortnight s returns from the Cromwell Company's claim at Bendigo : 2300 ozs. for six weeks' work, and a prospect of a speedy yield of 15,000 ozs. more, is a remarkably practical answer, and may be said to have effectually demolished the theory, if previous answers of a similar character had left any lite in its miserable body. The miner does not care for science ; lie never eonsnlts the learned in his search for gold, but depends entirely on a species of instinct he has acquired in the course of a long aud varied experience. A medical officer in C'hristchureh has otfieiallv announced to the Templar Lodge with which he is connected that some of the syrups he had tested, and known as " teetotal drinks,"' contain preparations of opium to a considerable extent, and that indulgence in two or three wine glasses of such, although it did not produce intoxication, certainly induced sleep or stupor. There was a heavy frost last night, which blackened all the potatoe tops. Did the eclipse of the moon cause the frost ? Thus writes our Mangapai correspondent.

Last year New Zealand imported £15,000 worth of tov:-.

A notice appears elsewhere from "The Collector,'' Auckland East District, 111 reference to the capitation rate. The notice states that the rate will not be levied upon children between the ages of 6 and 14 who attend private schools, provided a certificate be given that the children have attended the schools for three months prior to the 13th August-;-' Mrs. Tomcs's concert will take place in the Choral Ilall, this evening. A varied programme is prepared for the occasion, and a pleasant evening's entertainment may he anticipated by those who intend to patronise the concert. Dancing will be commenced at the conclusion of the programme. The summer exhibition of the Auckland Horticultural Society will be held on the 20th November. .Schedules of prizes can be obtained on application to the secretary, at the Museum Buildings, any Wednesday or Saturday. The Town Clerk announces that the City Endownent Loan not having been subscribed for at par, the City Council is prepared to receive tenders for debentures. All claims against the estate of T. M. King, deceased, must be rendered to Mr. S. E. Hughes, solicitor, not later thnu the 4tli November. The animal meeting of members of the Auckland Early Closing Association will be held to-morrow evening, in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. The annual meeting of the Bismarck and French Republic Gold Mining Companies will be held in' -the Insurance Buildings on tha 30th instant-. The quarterly licensing meeting for the Papakura district will be held at noon on the Ist December, at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Papakura. The Treasurer of the Women's Refuge and Reformatory begs to acknowledge receipt of three pounds from Wanguira friends, by Mrs. and Miss Lane. The assessment list for the Newton Highway District i 3 open for the ratepayers' inspection at Mr. Jones's, Richmond. The assessment list for the Remuera Highway District is deposited at Mr. Dent's store for the inspection of ratepayers. Aspecial practice and band rehearsal of the Ponsouby Musical Society will take place this evening. Tenders are required by the Harbour Board for removing the silt from the eastern silt basin. The time for receiving tenders for plant and works °of the Corporation Waterworks will be extended until the 22nd March next.