THE New Zealand Herald. SPECTEMUR AGENDO. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1875.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4125, 2 February 1875, Page 2

THE New Zealand Herald. SPECTEMUR AGENDO. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1875.

At interval.* wo hear of the arrival in Now Caledonia, of hatches of Communists or other convicts, hut the accounts excite little attention. Nevertheless there is rapidly growing up m that large and fine island, a community that must hereafter exercise considerable intluence in the affairs of the Australasian world. New Caledonia is already a source of valuable commerce to New South Wales, by whom the greater part of its trade is monopolised, while to Adelaide it oilers a market for llour, and to our own pro-

vince a growing customer for much that we can produce better than 6ltllSr of the afc"s two colonies.

So little is knoxn of New Caledonia to the generality of our readers that a description of its present condition may be useful. On its enormous size, as an island, and on the variety of climate and soil which characterise its mountains, valleys, and extensive plains, we need not dilate. Cattle are being profitably grazed on the inland runs, and on the low lands near tho coast sugar is becoming an object of interest to capitalists already in the island. The town of Noumea is built upon the main land in a fine bay, sheltered from tho ocean by a series of islands running across the mouth. On theso islands and on the long peninsula forming one side of the Bay, there are a large number of convicts of various character and kind, with a large establishment of jmlice to look after tliem, and a larger force of soldiers and sailors if necessary. About CO miles to the eastward of Noumea is the Isle of Pines, an islet some 25 miles r.mnd and on which there are not 'ess than 3000 convicts of the political as opposed to tho criminal kind. The most rigid discipline is maintained, and we dare say tho scenes now being enacted on that little island are much the same ai those made familiar to us by stories and traditions in Norfolk Island and Tasmania in the olden day. The convicts cannot have a very pleasant time of it in tho isolated Isle of Pines. Of that at least wo may be sure. No communication is allowed with them by any vessel calling at the harbour, a very good one in all except S.W. winds which fortunately are almost unknown in these latitudes. A gunboat is always staiioned ill the harbour, with a considerable military and police force oil shore. The convicts being political, are not compelled to work, but if they do not work they arc fad only 011 bread and water. Anvthin" else is an indulgence which they must earn if they wish to get it. The chief—almost tho only work practicable—is road-making and tho desire for something better in the way of food than bread and meat, will probably be the means of cutting tine roads throughout the little island and making it a very pleasant place of residence when the recollection of its convict days shall have passed away. The islands near Noumea to which we have before referred, are less agreeablv occupied as 011 them tho criminal convicts are placed. The peninsula is devoted to political " exiles," among whom there are various degrees of guilt and various modes of treatment. Tho " ticket-of-leave" system has been adopted and a largo number of all kinds are now being employed in merchants' stores and on plantations, while some are making money for themselves. The climate is unfavourable to white men as labourers, and all work of more manual labour is therefore done by imported natives who are brought in large numbers from other islands. It has not yet been necessary to introduce either Chinese or Indian coolies, the supply from the islands having been found sufficient. The entire popula° tion of white men, convicts, soldiers, police, and citizens cannot be less than 25,000, and the rate at which it is being increased may be imagined from the ai° rival of one vessel of 3,,'500 tons, an old disused French man-of-war, with 1,100 souls Oil board, the crew included. ' In the interior there are said to bo valuable mines of nickel, and a shipment of tivo tons has just been made to test its quality and value. Copper and gold are also reported but neither of them is yet worked to advantage.

It will bo seen from this short description that Xew Caledonia it making rapid strides in population, and that the interior is being explored and communication with it opened in many waj-s. The regulations are however of so ri"id a nature, that few linglishmcii or eohmists are likely to make Noumea their home unless the attraction in the way of money making is very extraordinary. The gun fires at ten at night, niul all lights must then be extinguished. Any one in ihe street after that hour is liable to be arrested. The Government issue an otticial journal and no other newspaper is allowed except one whose matter is confined to advertisements. In tho sugar plantations, lifo is of course comparatively free but there must always be the sense of a political restraint and tho oppressive regard and care of a paternal government against which an Englishman, with, his notions of personal liberty, must instinctively rebel. Taken altogether, we suspect that New Caledonia with its large Government expenditure is no bad place for money making; and that a man may do there tolerably well—provided ho have capital and can contrive to get into the good graccs of the powers that lie. The condition of affairs much resembles that of Tasmania and New South Wales in tho early days, with this difference, that the one is English aiul the other French. The difference is not one merely of race or language, but of a country without any large number of free emigrants to populate, or large capital available to develop distant colonies, and another where teeming millions are ever ready to swarm so that they be allowed plenty of elbow-room and full personal liberty, and who are sure to be followed by capital more than enough to satisfy all reasonable desires.

At a meeting of the Hoard of Health held yesterday it was, among other matters brought forward, decided that all butchers' .shops .should be regularly inspected. We cannot possibly object to this arrangement, although it is seldom that a butcher's shop is in anything bnt a condition of absolute cleanliness, for the simple reason that a meat salesman would not be long in losing the greater part of his trade were his sho'p not clean, his meat sound and swee:, and his arrangements all that should he. If, however, the butchers are to be under surveillance, why not the dealers in fruit and vegetables, the livery-stable keepers, produce, and others who trade in perishable goods, but which are never considered perishable so long as they find purchasing consumers, even should the doctors have to be called in to administer correctives? It appears somewhat invidious that a respectable class of tradesmen should be singled out for official interference when no complaints have been made, and when it is to their special interest that cleanliness shall be maintained. The (ioard of Health might, we think, direct its attention to matters of greater importance. Let the Inspector of Nuisances leav<; Queen-street for a few davs and visit the back premises on the side streets and back thoroughfares of the town, where lie will liml many tilings very much worse than he will over meet with in the worst managed butchering establishment in the city.

Howkveis much we may disagree with some of the principles upon which <!ood Templar ism is based, we have never questioned the fact that in certain directions the advocates of Tomplary have done much good. One of the besetting sins of the natives is their strong love of drink, anil although the Government have made many pretences of placing a ban upon the sale of liquor to the Maoris, they have succeeded in eflecting but very little practical good in that direction. Good Templarism may offect what the Government and Government influencchasfailed in doing, judging by the telegram which appears elsewhere. In this we arc informed that on Sunday last at Tauinngii the native-; of that and the surrounding districts held a

demonstration in the Temperance Hall, when the subject of temperance was discussed and "eloquent and impressive speeches •were delivered." Resolutions were also passed denouncing the liquor traffic, and the meeting concluded with an earnest request for the establishment of Maori lodges. This is verypromising, and opens a wide field for the advocates of temperance and Good Tempfctry to operate beneficially in. If the Order can only sow effectually the seeds of temperance amongst the natives the Good Templars will have performed a meritorious work, —one worthy of recognition alike at the hands of the temperate man and total abstainer.

Sir George Campbell, at one time Lieu-tenant-Governor of Bengal, has been giving utterance to his sentiments, upon Provincial Institutions. As it is our object to allowopposing advocates to give expression to opinions bearing upon political questions of importance, we quote the language of this statesman as he delivered himself at the Social .Science Congress at Glasgow. Referring to the overwork of Parliament, Sir George Campbell says : —" Every day it becomes more and more apparent- that our Parliament is far too large and unwieldly a machine to deal with all the requirements of modem society. When great measures aud great experiments are necessary we tind its time frittered away on small and loc,-,l measures. The machine is too large and cumbrous. Believing, then, that the social reforms which we require must necessitate many experiments in many directions ; that to effect them we must enlist local experience, local energies, and local interests; that one Parliament cannot do this, but that localized institutions may do it, I am so far a Home Ruler that I should like to see a large portion of our self-government transferred to local assemblies. In this respect, at any rate, I would, in a great degree, imitate the American system. X think that very much of the management of Irish affairs might be transferred to an Irish House of Representatives, or, probably, rather to two separate assemblies representing two Irish provinces, North and South. 1 think that a very largo portion of our Scottish affairs might be much better managed in a Scotch Assembly. It may be that England might advantageously bo split up into provinces. I feel conlident that such Provincial Assemblies might do great good, and that very ample work would still be left for an Imperial Parliament. Xot only might many social reforms receive in local assemblies that attention and elaboration which they cannot have in a great Parliament of the nation, but also, I think, that there would be very great advantage in the vari ity of local experiments which might be tried in different parts of the country and under various conditions. One province would profit by the experience, the successes, and the fi.ilurcs of another; a healthy competition would be excited, and oat of various trials progress, real and substantial, might be achieved. The difficulties in our way are so great that they will never be overcome without the concurrent efforts of many minds, and as the issue of many trials. Such efforts and such trials might, I think, be obtained under a sort of federal and provincial system of Government. Ido not think that they will be adequately obtained under the present system."

A storm in a teapot! The cabmen of Christchurch and the Corporation have fallen out on the subject of mileage. The cabmen say they caunot afford to keep cabs and horses and ply with them at tho rates lixed by the Corporation. The Corporation say they must. ('abmen retort, and say they will not, and further, that the Mayor aud Councillors acting in conjunction shall never make them. Then the Corporation fence in ealmicn's stands and take cabmen into custody. They not only do this, but they have caused 200 special constables tu be tworn in to preserve the peace. "And," says the correspondent of our contemporary, the Ecrniki) Slav, "the Mayor is in readiness to read tlie Riot Act." Of course we do not know the merits of the case—why the Corporation should fence in the cab-staiuls, or the cabmen should rush the fences so erected. At a distance the thing all looks so absurd that tlte affair is merely food for laughter. Allowing for a moment that Municipal Corporations had the power of fixing the price of steam-boat fares, mail coach charges, or the sum to be paid for the 41b. loaf, or for butcher's meat, or for S-ouuees bottle of physic compounded by chemists, or doctors' feus, what would Councillors do if their commands were disobeyed '! There are, we arc ashamed to say, people so simple-minded as to pronounce that the authorities have lio more right to tix the price a cabman shall charge a customer than the doctor his patient, or the baker and butcher those who deal with them. This, however, is nothing to do with the cabmen in connection with the Riot Act. If the Riot Act be read, will the Volunteers he called out and the cabmen lired upon ? or. would the Resident Magistrate, and the city by-law brought into force, he suilicicnt to preserve the city of Christchurch from anarchy, confusion, and blood shed ? It is all very sad, aud not to be thought of lightly.

usually so astute in its deductions upon most matters affecting the common weal, has been remarked as generally erring when dealing with questions affecting gold mining interests. It laments that during the past year the yield of gold has decreased, and that the number of miners at work have been fewer. The si ir/ni considers that such a state of affairs in any other country having a free government with a sufficient number of representatives to make known the wants and wishes of the people, would at once cause a close and earnest investigation into the causes which have adversely affected a prominent and once most profitable industry. Now the reason was long ago explained by several of the Victorian mining boards. It was this : That most of the principal leads hail either been worked out, or the claims had become so costly to work that large numbers had to be abandoned. The Ai-i/iu thinks that an Act of Parliament would make tho gold mines as productive as of yore. The miner and the digger think differently, and so very wisely have gone into other pursuits which pay them better. Twenty years ago the digger worked 011 his own account. Now he works for shareholders, and when shareholders tind a claim does not pay they abandon it, and those who have been employed underground have to turn to other occupations. The Anjus should know that legislation will neither spoil nor make a gohlticld. The mining regulations in Victoria are now a3 liberal as possible, and the miners and diggers have nothing to complain of but file scarcity of gold. \Vk have European intelligence, via the Rluff, to the 2lsth ultimo. There is scarcely an item of interest, and nothing which demands comment. Not a lino having reference to the loss of tho Cospatrick. and no mention of the arrival of Mr. Vogel in Loudon ; nor is the state of the markets quoted. We are told that Messrs. Rothschild have issued a Brazilian loan for five millions, and offers for seven times the amount at a handsome figure have been sent in in what kind of money wc- do not learn. Then that the steamer Faraday is still employed laying a new Atlantic cable. There has been a threatened disruption between Turkey and Montenegro relative to the nonexecution of some Mahommedans. The dispute is likely to be settled by the intervention of a mixed tribunal, so that no complications may lie looked for to arise out of the difference. Prince Leopold has been seriously ill, but by latest accounts was in a fair way towards recovery. Garibaldi had arrived at Rome, where he was most enthusiastically received ; but for what object, political or otherwise, he went is not stated.

We arc requested to inform the parishioners of St. Paul's, that is of the parish on the east side of Queen-street, that two gentlemen will make a house canvass to-day for funds for the restoration of St. Paul's Cathedral. As this is a most desirable and necessary nt'ii'ct we trust to hear of the subscriptions being upon c. liberal scale.

A charge of crueUy ill-treating a horse was heard at the Police Court yesterday morning. It was a case of working a horse in a weak condition from having its knees severely cut. The animal had fallen under | its burden, and was in so feeble a condition that Inspector Brohain considered that to work it was to commit a gross apt of cruelty. A line of 40s and costs was ordered to be paid, and the Bench expressed its opinion that if the defendant had been a principal instead of a servant, the full penalty would have been enforced. We trust that the judgment given yesterday may have the effect of checking the ill-treatment of animals, which has hitherto been far too common. Horses scarcely able to walk arc treated to cheap and scanty feeding, have' been, by bountiful flogging, made to do the work of strong anil well-kept hacks. Perhaps their owners considered them to be automical machines, and imagined that whipcord inflicted no pain, but answered the purpose of oats, and so treated them to The cheaper fare on the score of economy.j' Fortunately such theories will find no sympathy in a Court of Justice, but a severe penalty will be inflicted upon wrongdoers. e trust tile police will vigilantly prosecute the humane work of preventing brutality to dumb animals.

The tenders for the annual contracts for carting, &c., on the Great South road, were opened yesterday by the Provincial Government. 1, 2, and 3 contracts no eligible tenders were to hand. Two tenders were received for No. 4 contract, for carting scoria ash from Dono --an's Mountain to between 13th and loth mile-posts. Mr. H. Brown's tender, at 2s 74d per square yard, was accepted. For No. 5 contract (quarrying, breaking, and carting 2-inch road metal between the 15th mile-post and post-office, Drury), six tenders were received. Mr. John McGratli's, at lis 10(1 per yard, was accepted, tux tenders were also received for No. G contract (quarrying, breaking, and carting 2-inch road inetal between Drury Bridge and the Northumberland Hotel). Mr. Lawrence Callaghan's, at lis Sd per yard, was accepted. Two tenders were opened for No. 7 contract, for similar work between Northumberland Hotel and wharf at Mercer. Mr. Samuel Davis's tender, at 13s, was accepted. Four tenders were received for No. S contract, for the same work, between Royal Oak Hotel and wharf, Onehunga. Mr. Eourke's, at 10s 4d, was accepted. For carting on the Great North road five tenders were received. Mr. George McCaslin's, at 2s 11Ul per yard, was accepted.

The thanks of the Ladies' Committee of the Home for .Neglected and Destitute Children, Newton, are presented to the following friends of the institution for gifts, as under : —To Mr. Crowe, for a quantity of bread; totheßeresford-street Sunday-school, for bread, butter, cake, &c. ; to Mrs. W. L. Prime, for a quantity of clothing ; to Mrs. Burgess, for a quantity of clothing ; to Mrs. UeaTe, for eight little boys' hats, braid, &c. ; to Colonel Haultain, for a parcel of clothing ; to Miss Bell, for a parcel of clothing; to Mr. Burgess, for a parcel of clothing; to Mrs. Rattray, for a quantity of linen; to Mr. F. McCrae, for c. parcel of clothing ; to Mr. Gare, for magazines ; to Mr. Waddell, Hobson-street, for three dozen of bread ; to Airs. Davies, Newton, for two steam trains ; to a friend, for work-box as a reward for the best made coat; to Mrs. If. Ellis, for Bibles and Testaments. The committee will be particularly grateful for further gifts of clothing, as there are eighty-eight children in the Home, and the cost of providing garments for them is necessarily great. Coarse liollaud for pinafores and working aprons will be acceptable.

There was a fair attendance at the Prince of Wales Theatre last evening, on which occasion the Girards appeared with great success in the first of their proposed season of pantomime entertainments. Their performance is a complete novelty, and is perfect of its kind. The pantomimic contortions, both of limbs and features, arc of an extraordinary dercr in and never fail to amuse. Miss Maggie Knight assisted with several songs and dances, which were so well received that encores were necessary in order to satisfy the audience. The sleight-of hand tricks by Mr. Valentine Jacobs were very well performed, and his powers of ventriloquism were also made to contribute advantageously to tho performance. A programme of a similar character will be produced this evening, when the theatre should be equally well filled. In passing, wo may remark that Mr. Jacob's "patter" woidd fall none the less agreeably upon the car were his sentences constructed a little more in accordance with the rules of Lindley Murray.

A serious accident happened on Saturday afternoon to a workman named John Webber, employed in Arnold, Hines and Co.'s gum store. He was engaged in loading some cases of kauri gum from the store iu Official Bay into ilrays for shipment, when one of the heavy cases fell on him and jammed his leg against another case. His thigh was fractured by the mishap. Mr. Pollock, the foreman, at once despatched a messenger for medical assistance, lnit unfortunately live doctors who were called on in succession were absent from their homes. Eventually Dr. Stockwell was found, who promptly attended. After affording relief to the sufferer, the doctor ordered his immediate removal to the Provincial Hospital, where the bone was set by Dr. Philson. Through this misfortune the poor man will be laid up for some weeks, and unfortunately he has a wi£p recently contincd and six children dependent on liim for support.

We would again remirtl our readers that the Rev. George Brown's second anil last lecture on Samoa, Xcw Guinea, and adjacent islands, will be delivered this evening in Pitt-street Church. It is so very rarely that an opportunity is afforded of obt unini; reliable information respecting new spots in the South Pacific, that we think the thanks of the community are due to Mr. Brown for stating what he knows about them. There is little doubt but that the building will be full to the doors this evening, but every convenience will be provided to prevent discomfort from overcrowding. No charge will be made for admission, but at tlie close of the lecture offerings will bo received from tho.se willing to contribute in aid of the proposed new mission. No intimation has yet been received by the authorities as to the fate of Nutene, the Maori under sentence of death. Much longer time has elapsed in this ease than 011 similar occasions before the pleasure of the Governor, as Her Majesty's representative, is made known. Rumour has it that the sentence will be commuted to imprisonment for life ; but the fact is that nothing as to the determination of the Government is known whether they will advise the Marquis of Normanby to extend the ltoyal clemency to this man. Sir Geo. Arney has gone to Wellington, and it is exceedingly i»robable he wilt be consulted on the subject. A full rehearsal of the programme of the grand concert, to be given on Thursday night by the Choral Society, iu aid of the Young Men's Christian Association, took place in the Choral Hall last evening. It consisted of selections from "Judas Maceabaius" and miscellaneous music. The concert promises to be a great success. There was a sitting of the Native Lands Court yesterday, when the claim of Kcmieliuru (Mrs. Eliza Meurant) was again brought before the Court. Mr. Hesketh appearing for the claimant, and Mr. MacCoriuick on behalf of the Colonial Government. An outline of the facts is given in another part of this impression. The City Council of Duuedin has resolved to borrow a sum of £f>o,ooo for the purpose of widening Princcs-street, sewerage, reducing bank overdraft, new necessary works, and paying contracts already in existence. Owing to Miss May Howard's illness, Mr, Collier had to substitute " Kip Van Winkle" fortho"NewMagdalen, 'buttheChristchurch critics do not appear to have relished the change. Captain Muiidie has been appointed piermaster at Wellington. There were four applicants 101 the oiiice.

The present number of the Chur-h Gavt, is a good one—more than usually so in, intelligence from the Maori churches'of tl province is interesting, and we cannot ul think that the effort: of our brown brethr rather put to shame the doings in the sJ'" way of their European neighbours I P t | Bishop's peregrinations through the count™ we observe that in the various sett!cm»nU there are apt to be good congregation* )„,! we confess that we are somewhat surprise,' at observing the amount of the offtrtorif* collected on those occasions. The leadi ' article is a statement of the present no'-it;"*' of the Old Catholic movement in Germany* and especially of that exceedingly notaV'u event, the recent Conference at ll, mn ' ' I which were present, on the invit-itiim of th» Old Catholic leaders, representative mer (not formal representatives') from the ( imr L h of England, the Anglican Church of Ame rica, some Eastern Churches, ami some Protestant bodies of the continent, Th" article is a plain straightforward statement of momentous and interesting facts. It ha" appended to it the inicials " IJ. s. {{ ' Here follows a good thing for ner.ple England, a description of "A Sundav amongst the Maoris," written bs I*. <• s A criticism on Mr. Gladstone's vi ;ws of the attitude assumed by Ultrainontinism U taken from the publication calltd <7,',, rc /, Bell*. There is less than usual of extract matter in the last department of the Unyttin consequence, we suppose, of the new feature, "The Sunday-school I.essons" which are sure to be exceedingly useful, and will furnish excellent readings on a .Sunday for children of large growth—we mean men and women—whether or not they are engaged in the honorable task of Sunday-school teaching. By the bye, bow is it that there is no notice of the American Church's trien- | nial meeting, at which our good and j old friend, Bishop Selwyn. shone t'ortli as a j star of the first magnitude, or, to vary the metaphor, was for the time one of the'lions lof New ork ? We can imagine the air and I look with which, in a meeting consisting of j thousands, his Lordship told them thatlhe i Americans are a mighty and great nation, | adding, "And you are aware of it"—a signi'. j ficant hint which was received most "otxlhumoredly and with vast applause.

At the school-room in Ponsonby, on .Smi. day afternoon, 150 scholars received -aft? marking the occasion as something extra' The friends of the scholars were presentand the Rev. E. N. Bree, in distributing the prizes and gifts, amongst which were some valuable works on travels, remarked upon the progress and attachment of the youn« men and women, who had been stepping on steadily from scholarships to training for teaching. Afterwards, Mr. \V. F. Hammond was presented with a testimonial, as a mark of attachment and esteem for the zeal he had displayed during the last three years Mr. Hammond, in responding, said he accepted it with the warmest feeling of regard, and as a token of that bond of Christian fellowship which he felt had been growing up amongst t jem, and which he hoped he might continue to foster. He urged the value of a true union, giving instances, and encouraging them to remember the new and last command of our Lord, "to love one another" thus : united together to carry on the work they were engaged in, and merit the reward in the end. In the church liberal collections were made at both services on behalf of the annual treat. The sermon was preached in tho morning by the Rev. E. V Bree, " Upon bringing up of the young and in the evening, by the Hev. IS." Harrow.-, " Upon Daniel shewing that he benefited by early training."

A meeting of the Board of Health was held yesterday, at the Provincial Government Offices, —present His Honor the Superintendent, Messrs. F. L. Prime, 15. Tonk<, and Dr. Philson. In regard to a communication in reference to Mr. Allender's soap and candle factory in Parnell, the Board was of opinion that the rending of fat should l>e carried on away from the town. It was decided that all butchers' shops should be regularly inspected. In the matter of the Archill nuisance, it was agreed that Mr. Faulder should be summoned in the event of a breach of the law occurring. A communication was received from the Corporation of the Thames, in regard to the steps advisable to prevent the spread of measles; consideration deferred. The Superintendent informed the Board that after having inspected the proposed sites for the erection of the slaughter-houses, he was of opinion that the one at Ouehunga was the best. This was all the business.

Tho scholars of the Mount Albert Wesleyau Sunday-school held theirannual festival on Saturday last, The gathering took place in the grounds of Mr. J. T. Oarliek, the superintended of the school. In the afternoon a good sprinkling of residents joined the children, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. After tea the scholars and friends adjourned to the chapel, where a book was presented to each member of the school, bought out of the surplus funds collected from the residents for the treat. This done, the children returned to their sports, which were kept up till evening, and thus terminated an enjoyable festival.

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital, for the week ending Saturday, January 30, 1575 :—Remained last return, SO; admitted, 15 ; discharged, 11 ; died, 2; remaining, S2 ; (males, 6*S, females, 14). Arrangement of cases : —Zymotic, 25 ; constituional, 10 ; local, 37 ; developmental, 4; violent, 10. Two deaths occurred during the week, viz.—Ist, T. C., male, aged 52 years, on January 24, of scirrhus of liver; "2nd, W. J. M., male, aged 30 years, of phthisis pulmonalis. Old linen much needed. We learn, says the Southland JYietttf, that a portion of the photographic staff of the American Transit Expedition have received telegraphic instructions from headquarters to return home via San Fraucisco, instead oi per Swatara, and, prior to their departure, to make the tour of New Zealand, for the purpose of taking views of its characteristic features ai d such objects of interest as might serve to convey an accurate idea of the colony and the pursuits of its inhabitants. Messrs. Phillipps and Son, oil and colour men, Wyndham-street, have imported aver}* carefully assorted stock of oleographs. Tho subjects are, for tho part» copies nf «i^lfbrated pictures of Laudseer, and. others of the English school. But there are also copit3 of several less known, but equally celebrated, pictures of the Freuch school by La Roche and Horace Vernefc. As finely-executed specimens of this new art, they are well worth nspection. • State of Her Majesty's gaol, Auckland, ror the week ending Jan. 30, 1575: —On remand, 1 male; awaiting trial, 3 males ; sentenced todeath^male; sentenced to penal servitude, 35 males : sentenced to hard labour, S3 males. 3G females ; sentenced to imprisonment, a males ; default of bail, 5 males ; received during the week, IS males, 3 females; discharged, 1G males, 2 females ; total m gaoii 130 males, 30 females. The second annual meeting of the -Auckland and North Shore Steam Ferry Conipany was held yesterday,—Mr. John II av in the chair. A dividend at the rate of 5 y-f cent, was declared. Messrs. AN". C. W ilsyU and VT. Aitken were elected directors, vice Messrs. G. M. Reed and J. Leek, who retired by effluxion of time. The report and balance-sheet of the company will be found in another column. The ordinary meeting of the City Council was held yesterday. With the exception ot a report from the committee on water suppl}» and tho formal announcement of the covery of a spring of water on the Hospital Reserve, tho business was of au unimportant character. A report appears in another column. The ordinary meeting of shareholders .111 tho Haurolu Saw-mill Company was held yesterday at Mr. liennett s othc^. Shortland-street, Mr. G. B. Owen in chair. Mr. J. S. Macfarlane retired, and was re-elected a director ; the balance-sheet adopted ; and the ret'ring auditor re-eloete* for the ensuing year. Mr. Edward M'PonMd, harbour or Auckland, New Zealand, has been eh*an Associate of tho institute *•£ i.ivi- * - gineers.

li a we have already stated, the Sunday- " i children in connection with all bamts roiiFonhv, to the number of about 1 vrdre.l and fifty, held their annual KeL'atta day, at the residence of jn r " the Iter. E. X. Brce. The '•HMivn «cre conveyed to and fro iu buses, kiiuilv L-ivi'll l'.ir the purpose l>y Mr. F. H,,; k . -.1-1 enjoyed themselves very much ? 1-..V tli«' inclemency of the weather. On ,v l;i~t. the Kev. K. X. liree preached .a i -.1 nil 11l on the religious instruction

i-'Y; : i V..nil:.', urging the parents tp remedy ♦{, ,\-j d"nc through the exclusion of the |\I,V ::.iiiitlie district schools, l>y devoting ,' no "id energy to family worship and v-" r. -ol exer-'iscs. The Rev. 11. ] ; "V....« , w :o oilieiate-.i in the evening, fol--Ilit"' same strain, and delivered an an practical 'iiseourse ou tlie im't no > ~>ity of tlie promotion of re- '■ ; erf uetion to the young. The ollcr{'f,v Si., .lav was devoted to' tlle payment \.d expenses, which, including money o.ii.: 'or prize-books, amounted to £10. 1 lie v * v. generously responded to by ihe nation, the oiie'rtory amountillg to .t'l.'i earlv part of t''e siege of Metz parties lii'ought in great quantities , \ ,i.e ieavi.- from the surrounding vineyards ,■1 uhieh they led their horses. The leaves w'le i:Uiii witli avidity, aad the horses _u« fat and .-leek—much better in condition than those fed 011 liav and straw. This has kd to a chemical analysis of vine leaves, and it is found that a very large quantity of cane-sugar and glucose exists in the tissue. The Society of Arts, London, lias given the use of its lecture Hall for a series of lectures 011 emigration, to be delivered during the winter mouths by various colonial celebrities. Tiie /"/'• W.i/f < 'hun-h -W<rt for February e-'iitains many items of interest in connectj with the Presbyterian Church iu New We would refer merchants to Messrs. MeVki-aud Co. s telegraphic report on the Caiiuri'ury grain market, published in our i oimuereial column. England paid two millions sterling last \ ear for foreign eggs. A p'.;hlic meeting has been convened by hi.- Worship the Mayor, to take such steps as mav be 'determined upon to receive the riprisentatives of the Colonial Prize-tiring. The n.eeting will be held at noon to-day, in the Insurance Buildings. Messrs. Samuel Cochrane aud .Son will sell, "ii Monday next, Sth instant, by order of the trustees "in the estate of Mr. T. Kemp, 1 valuable farm at Mount Albert. The annual meeting of members of the Northirn Club will be held 011 TLursday uftenioon nextTht annual meeting of the Auckland Dispensary " ill be held on Thursday afternoon, at the "Mechanics' Institute. A meeting of shareholders iu the Xew Zealand Shipping Company >vill be held on the •27th February, in the lusuranoe Buildings. The monthly meeting of tlie Xew Zealand Agricultural Society will l>e held at the Cnterioii Hotel, Otahahu. at 2 p.m. to-day. Tenders are required by the Government for the erection of a timber wharf at Newcastle. A call cf Is i-'or share has beou made 111 the GvUU-11 Calf G.M. Co. The quarterly Licensing Ceurt for llokianga will be held 0:1 the 2nd March. Tenders are required for the construction of the Thames Water-race. Mr. J. lirowit's part singing class omnicuces ■ :i Monday evening next. A cheque for £7 13s was lost 011 Sunday. Payment uas been stopped.